Outdoor Games of Yesteryears

Children love the outdoors and so did I. Those days were different. With no TV and fancy games, we played some simple games which were a lot of fun. My favourite games were ‘Gilli Danda’ (wooden-stick and bird), ‘Kanchey’ (marbles), and ‘Sitolia’ (seven stones) which I played with my friends in the park opposite our house.

To play gilli danda one needs a little 3 inch long wooden piece called Gilli and a stick or Danda, about two feet long. The small piece is hit with the stick; the farther it goes, the more the chances of winning. The game needs some open space and talent to post a win. ‘Kanchey’ is played with glass marbles. It is played individually and requires the concentration & skill to shoot at the aimed marble. The third game ‘sitolia’ is played between two teams — seeker and hitter. All we need is a soft ball or a tennis ball and seven stones. It requires both cleverness, and ability to duck and run.

We friend would meet, talk and play in the park. Outdoor sporting activities had a greater appeal as compared to indoor ones. The obvious benefits were healthy growth, a sound and balanced development and of course, unlimited fun.