Technology and digitalization have taken the world by storm. Every industry and department makes use of them for progress and maintenance. But their percolation and reception among kids have caused a desertion of the playground.
No longer do the green fields and open spaces echo with the delighted shouts of playing kids. And more importantly, most kids of the current generation are completely unaware of traditional Indian games. Games that did the role of workouts and exercises by keeping kids physically active and mentally engaged.
The delicate scent of nostalgia is bound to tickle the tired nostrils of parents when they recall their days spent playing gilli danda, pitthu, and kabaddi. Those carefree days were full of energy, life, and hope, with no worries or diseases plaguing them. And that is the childhood parents’ wish to give their kids a chance in the busy modern world again. To do so, they need to understand and teach their kids the role of these traditional Indian games in children’s physical activity.
Why Traditional Games Are Good For Fitness
Physical Exercise
Indian outdoor games for children get them to run, jump, bend, and balance, which is good for their health, even if they don't play sports often. As they play games like lagori, kabaddi, kho-kho, and gitte, kids are always on the move. Kids like these games because they aren't forced, and they help them get stronger, more flexible, and more balanced.
Workout For Mus
Traditional games work out all muscles, not just a few at a time. These sports make kids faster, more agile, and tougher, and they also help their bones, joints, and muscles. Kids can get stronger and improve their heart health in a fun, stress-free way by doing this every day.
Good for the Mind
Playing desi games for fitness is good for your kids' bodies and minds. A lot of traditional games require players to work together, think on their feet, and plan ahead. This keeps the body active and helps focus and react faster. This mix of mental and physical activity helps your kids stay fit.
Less Screen Time
Kids who play outside for a long time with traditional, active games are less likely to sit around and use technology. When they go outside, they get more oxygen, more vitamin D from the sun, and they feel more balanced and energized all day long.
Active Routine
Kids are also more likely to work out often when they play traditional games because they are easy to learn, don't need much equipment, and can be played anywhere. Kids who play Indian outdoor games on a regular basis may learn healthy habits that will last a lifetime. This will make being active a normal and fun part of their day instead of a chore.
Popular Indian Games And Benefits
Traditional games can enhance a child’s physical activity while also bringing them closer to their roots and culture. Here is a list of some exciting Traditional games of India that parents can make their child play.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a sport that traces its origin back over 4000 years to the game of Jallikattu, a prestigious game among the Ayar tribal people of ancient Tamil Nadu. In this game, when a player enters the enemy territory, they are treated like a bull and dealt with accordingly to ‘tame’ it. It has been a part of the Olympics since the early 20th century and is a wonderful game to engage in to promote endurance, muscle strength, and quick thinking in kids.
Kho-kho
Kho-Kho’s origin is believed to have been inspired by the Mahabharata. Specifically, the tactic used by Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu to infiltrate the Kauravas’ infamous Chakravyuh. The modern form of kho-kho was formed in 1914 in Pune. Now, it is a medal sport in the South Asian Games and requires agility of body and mind to succeed. This game makes your kids think fast on their feet and become very fit.
Pitthu
Pitthu is a fun game with mythological origins similar to kho-kho. In this case, the game is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana as the game lord Krishna indulged in with his friends. One of the most ancient traditional Indian games, pitthu is now an official category in the National Games Of India since its 2023 edition. The game is simple but requires a good presence of mind and swiftness of feet. Two teams are divided, with one team responsible for knocking over the 7-stone pile and striking the players with balls. The other team is responsible for building the pile back up in 3 tries before everybody is eliminated. Once the stones are all arranged, the player has to announce the game’s name to signify its completion and victory.
Gilli Danda
Gilli danda is easily explained in two words - Indian cricket. It is an amateur, primitive version of the international sport, but it has been a leisure staple of rural kids for decades, even today. All this game requires is two sticks, one small and one thick and moderately large. The bigger, thicker stick is used to hit the small one away. The points of the scorer are determined by how far the gilli or the small stick falls in terms of danda length and so on. Several other common cricketing rules, like catching the gilli and being caught out, apply here. An ingenious way of enjoying physical activity and leisure with nothing but two sticks, this game improves imagination and stamina in kids while providing a full-body workout.
Hopscotch
This centuries-old game originated in Ancient Rome to train their foot soldiers and improve their footwork. However, it found more admirers, much later, among Indian kids who adore the system of hopping, skipping, and keeping track of points to find out who won. There are multiple variations and names to the game based on the differing cultural and geographical zones of India. This game is ideal for kids in their leisure time as it improves their balance and coordination skills while improving leg muscles.
Kancha
Kancha is one of the most thrilling traditional Indian games. It improves focus and enhances problem-solving and math skills in kids. All your kid needs to win at this game is a good eye and proper motor skills. Playing in the soil with dark green marbles, kids have to strike the designated target marble with their projectile marble. If they are successful, they win their friend's promised number of marbles or else part with their own.
Lagori
Lagori, also known as the seven steps in English, is an extremely popular traditional sport of India. It is generally played by collecting 7 stones and arranging them in a pile. Now, kids are divided into two different teams, and each team has to hit the stone tower with a ball. Both teams keep getting simultaneous turns to hit the stone tower. The game requires powerful strategy planning and physical activity.
Pachisi
Pachisi is one of the most traditional sports of India and has been played for hundreds of years. It is an ancient board game that traces its origins in the Mahabharat text and was known as Pasha during that time. The game consists of a crisscross circular board and can be called the ancient version of the present-day Ludo. It requires a lot of strategy and planning.
Antakshari
Anktakshari is a traditional indoor game of music and melodies that can be easily played among family members and friends. The game starts with a person singing a song. As soon as the song ends, the last letter of the song is passed on to the other player. The next player will have to sing a song that starts with exactly that alphabet sound. Otherwise, they get eliminated.
Physical And Mental Skills Kids Develop
Kids who take part in outdoor activities learn a lot of physical and mental skills that are important for their growth and health. Running, jumping, and balancing make you stronger, more coordinated, more agile, and more able to last.
At the same time, traditional games for physical activity help with memory, focus, and making decisions by using rules and strategy. Desi fitness games that are played in teams help kids learn about teamwork and fair play by teaching them how to talk to each other, work together, and be a leader.
These fun and active activities for kids also help them become more emotionally strong by teaching them patience, adaptability, and confidence. They also improve their overall physical fitness and mental awareness in a natural and fun way.
Bringing Traditional Games Back At Home
Traditional games of India like kabaddi, gilli danda, and kho-kho have transcended time and remained relevant for a reason. Even in their innocent joy and thrills, they provide children with sufficient physical activity and exercise to ensure they remain fit and healthy. Such children's games in India can easily be a spectacular substitute for your kid’s video games. So do not wait any longer and invite your kid to put their devices down and engage in the games listed in this guide to reap their benefits.
Conclusion
Traditional games might be different from modern workouts, but they do similar benefits—helping children get fit and active. These games not only make the child connected with the Indian roots, but they also help the parent get more involved, living it through their nostalgia and passing the fun through generation after generation.
People Also Ask
What are the top 10 Indian games?
What is the oldest game in India?
What is India's most famous traditional sport?
What are the 5 outdoor games in India?
What are some traditional Indian indoor games?
What is the official national game of India?
India does not have an official national game.
Source- https://www.olympics.com/en/news/india-national-game-sport
Kaushiki Gangully is a content writing specialist with a passion for children's nutrition, education, and well-being. With more than five years of writing experience and a science-based background, she provides nuanced insights to help families raise happy, healthy kids. Kaushiki believes in making learning and healthy eating fun, empowering parents with practical, easy advice.
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.
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