By In the early 1990s, children spent their afternoons playing Lagori in a village near Bangalore. The sun would set, but the laughter and thrill of knocking down stones and dodging balls continued well into dusk. Fast-forward to today, and the same fields lie silent, overtaken by screens and digital entertainment. Lagori, like many traditional Indian games, has become a fading memory. These games, once a staple of childhood, are disappearing. But their value, both culturally and for physical development, is undeniable.
1. Lagori: Teamwork and Strategy at Play
Lagori, or Seven Stones, dates back thousands of years and is referenced in ancient texts like the Bhagavata Purana. It involves knocking over a stack of seven stones and rebuilding them while dodging the opposing team’s ball. Played in schools and streets alike, it taught teamwork, strategy, and quick reflexes.
Despite its simplicity, Lagori’s popularity has dwindled. A 2022 National Institute of Urban Affairs survey revealed that only 7% of urban children aged 8–15 had heard of it. The physical and mental coordination required by this game is immense, yet it’s been replaced by digital pastimes.
Lagori’s decline shows how modernity has sidelined games that teach valuable skills like collaboration and problem-solving.
2. Kho-Kho: Speed Meets Strategy
Kho-Kho, a game of speed, stamina, and quick thinking, is another classic that once dominated schoolyards. Players chase each other in a fast-paced game requiring agility and strategic planning. Its origin dates back to ancient India, with early forms of the game being played across the country.
However, Kho-Kho’s urban reach is shrinking. The Kho-Kho Federation of India reports that although around 500 school-level competitions occur annually, city participation has dropped by 50% over the last decade.
Interestingly, a 2019 study by the Sports Authority of India found that children who regularly played Kho-Kho had 20% higher cardiovascular endurance than those who didn’t. Despite this, it is often overshadowed by more globally recognised sports like cricket.
3. Gilli Danda: The Original Bat-and-Ball Game
Gilli Danda—a precursor to modern cricket—has been played in India for over 2,500 years. The game involves hitting a small stick (Gilli) with a larger one (Danda) and was popular in both urban and rural areas. Gilli Danda developed essential skills like hand-eye coordination and agility.
But urbanisation and shrinking open spaces have led to its decline. A 2018 survey by the Indian Council of Historical Research found that only 9% of urban schoolchildren had played Gilli Danda, while 58% played cricket. The simplicity of the game, requiring only two sticks, starkly contrasts the heavy equipment and infrastructure modern sports demand.
4. Marbles (Kancha): Geometry in a Game
The game of Marbles, or Kancha, requires players to flick marbles with precision, knocking opponents’ marbles out of a circle. Beyond being a pastime, marbles teach physics, geometry, and focus. It was a popular game in Indian towns and villages, often played for hours on end.
A 2019 National Educational Survey found that only 5% of children in urban schools knew how to play marbles. The game’s decline reflects the larger trend of replacing open-air activities with indoor, tech-based games.
5. Luka Chupi: Hide and Seek’s Cultural Roots
Luka Chupi, or hide and seek, is a game children love. Across Indian neighbourhoods, children played this game until dusk, their only boundaries being the homes and walls around them. It fostered creativity, social bonding, and strategic thinking.
But today, Luka Chupi is losing its charm in urban areas. A 2021 report by the Indian Council for Child Development found that 70% of metropolitan children had never played hide-and-seek outdoors. The shift from outdoor to indoor play reflects changing lifestyles, where structured games or digital platforms dominate children’s free time.
6. Langdi: Fitness on One Leg
Langdi, a cousin of tag, involves players hopping on one leg while trying to catch their opponents. Though it seems simple, Langdi requires balance, leg strength, and endurance. It was historically played in many parts of India and even had a place in royal courts.
According to a 2020 study by the International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education, children who played Langdi showed 15% better balance and 10% more leg strength than those engaged in sedentary activities. Despite these benefits, Langdi is now mostly confined to rural Maharashtra, while other regions have forgotten this once-popular game.
Why We Should Bring Them Back
These traditional Indian games taught important life skills such as teamwork, focus, and agility and fostered social bonding. Today’s children, surrounded by digital distractions, miss out on these benefits.
In its 2023 report, the Sports Authority of India recommended that reviving these games in schools could improve physical fitness by 25% within five years. Moreover, the low cost and minimal equipment required make these games accessible, unlike many modern sports that require specialised gear.
Bringing these games back into our lives is about ensuring future generations enjoy the same lessons, fitness, and camaraderie that past generations did. Let’s return to the playgrounds, knock down the stones, hop on one leg, and rediscover the joy of the games we’ve lost.
