Childhood Games of Punjab: A Journey Back in Time

Childhood in Punjab, whether in villages or towns, was full of outdoor play, laughter, and endless energy. Without screens or structured activities, children relied on simple games that shaped friendships, built teamwork, and created lasting memories. These games were more than just fun, they were a way of life.

Here are some of the most cherished games that defined Punjabi childhood:

• Pithu Garam (Seven Stones)
  A game of chase and teamwork where one team knocks down a stack of stones with a ball and then tries to rebuild it while avoiding being hit.

• Kokla Chhapaki
  A playful circle game in which a player secretly drops a cloth behind someone who must chase them before they complete a round.

• Rassa Kashi (Tug of War)
  A test of strength and unity where two teams pull at a rope, often enjoyed during fairs or gatherings.

• Stapoo (Hopscotch)
  A chalk or mud-drawn grid where children hop on one leg while collecting a marker. It built balance and concentration.

• Oonch Neech (High and Low)
  A lively chase game where the runner is safe only on higher surfaces like charpais, ledges, or steps.

• Marbles (Kanche/Goli)
  A favorite among boys, players aimed to strike opponents’ marbles with their own, often keeping the marbles they won as trophies.

• Cricket
  With just a bat, a ball, and makeshift wickets, children played cricket in streets, courtyards, and fields. It grew into one of the most loved games across Punjab.

• Kabbadi
  The pride of Punjab, this game blends wrestling, strategy, and stamina. Played between two teams, a raider enters the opponent’s side chanting “kabaddi kabaddi” and tries to tag players before escaping their grasp.

• Gilli Danda
  A traditional game where a smaller stick (gilli) is struck with a larger stick (danda). It was a test of skill, strength, and timing, often compared to cricket.

• Football (Soccer)
  Often played barefoot in open grounds, football gave children the thrill of teamwork, speed, and competition.

• Kho Kho
  A traditional running and tagging game where agility mattered most. Players chased opponents within a set boundary while avoiding being tagged.

• Hide and Seek (Chhupan Chhupai)
  A universal childhood favorite, played around homes, trees, and fields. It was as much about strategy as about finding clever hiding spots.

• Lattu (Spinning Top)
  A wooden top wound with string, spun with skill, and sometimes battled against others. It tested precision and patience.

These games were simple yet full of excitement. They connected children to the outdoors, encouraged physical activity, and built bonds that often lasted into adulthood. Today, when life feels fast-paced and digital, remembering these games is like opening a window to a time when joy was found in the simplest of things.

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