From Gilli Danda to Chowka Bhara, We Need to Bring Back These 6 Traditional Indian Games

Long before apps and algorithms, generations across India honed focus, memory, and maths through games passed down over time. Here are six that still make learning fun.

1. Pallanguzhi (Tamil Nadu) Played with tamarind seeds on a wooden board, this calm, strategic game builds counting skills, memory, and planning, and you don’t even notice!

How to play: Players take turns dropping seeds in pits on a wooden board, collecting them based on set rules. The goal: end with the most seeds..

Credit: Ancient Madurai

2. Gilli danda (Pan-India) A big stick, a small stick, and pure focus. This classic game trains hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and balance — all while chasing a flying gilli across the field.

How to play: Use a long stick (danda) to flick a smaller stick (gilli) into the air, then hit it as far as possible. Fielders try to catch it.

3. Lagori / satoliya (Karnataka/Maharashtra) More than just a game of aim and agility, Lagori builds memory, teamwork, and quick decision-making, while keeping the energy (and laughter) high. Credit: Abhishek Labh e

How to play: Stack seven stones, knock them down with a ball, and rebuild before the opposing team hits you with the ball. A fast-paced team game. Credit: Shutterstock

4. Chowka bhara (Karnataka) Dice, tokens, and tactical thinking. This centuries-old game sharpens counting, and forward-planning, perfect for indoor rainy afternoons.

Credit: Roll the dice

How to play: Players throw cowrie shells as dice to move tokens across a cross-shaped board. The goal: bring all tokens home while blocking others.

Credit: Kalisu Foundation

5. Ekka-dokka (West Bengal) Bengal’s version of hopscotch is more than just jumps and chalked squares. It improves balance, spatial awareness, and mental focus, one grid at a time. Credit: Wikimedia

How to play: Toss a marker on numbered boxes drawn on the ground. Hop through the boxes on one foot, skipping the one with the marker. Credit: UNESCO

6. Aadu puli aatam (Tamil Nadu) Also called the ‘Goat and Tiger’ game, this clever strategy play teaches planning, anticipation, and logic. Think chess — just more animated.

Credit: Tamil Nadu Tourism

How to play: Three tigers try to hunt 15 goats on a triangle-based grid. Tigers jump goats to eat them; goats win by blocking all tiger moves.