Top 10 Classic Punjabi Games: Timeless and Fun Activities from Punjab

Punjab isn’t just known for its rich history and beautiful scenery; it’s also a place filled with traditional games! It’s not just about “Lassi and Paronthe”—there’s so much more to explore.

Punjab is home to over 100 traditional games that used to be played in its streets and gardens. These games have been a source of joy and togetherness for generations.

Imagine lively streets where kids laugh and play games passed down through the years. From energetic wrestling matches to the colorful dance of kites in the sky, these games were once common but have faded with the rise of technology and modern games.

Let’s bring these traditional games back before they disappear completely. They offer more than just entertainment; they represent a way of life. The next time you hear children playing in Punjab, remember: it’s not just about fun—it’s a vibrant reminder of tradition, keeping the spirit of the community alive with every joyful moment.

Let’s explore the traditional games of Punjab that were once very popular.

Popular Traditional Sports of Punjab – A Hub for Athletes

1. Kabaddi

Experience the excitement of Punjabi Kabaddi, a high-energy team sport that offers a unique thrill. In this game, two teams of eight players each compete on a soft field divided by a centerline.”

How to Play Kabaddi and Its Rules:

• Raiders are set to enter enemy territory to capture the opposing team’s players and then return safely.
• Defenders work carefully to corner the raider.
• This game is usually played for 40 to 60 minutes with a halftime break, and it challenges players to push their limits.
• This isn’t just any game; it’s one that involves tackling, testing your strength, agility, and sheer determination.

Kabaddi is incredibly popular in Punjab, and the government even organizes the Kabaddi World Cup, where teams from around the world come to compete.

2. Gilli Danda

Gulli Danda, also known as Gilli Danda, is seen as an early version of cricket in India. The game involves two sticks: a long one called Danda, and a shorter one called Gilli. The Danda is used to hit the Gilli.

How to play and Rules Gilli Danda

• This game is played with four or more players of even numbers
• A player places the Gilli on the stone and then hits it into the air as far as they can.
• In the game, there are two teams: one team throws the gilli (a small wooden piece), while the other team uses a danda (a stick) to hit it.
• If the fielder catches the Gilli, the batter is out.
• The person or team with the highest score wins.
• If the player doesn’t hit the Gilli after three attempts, they are disqualified.

3. Kokla Chapaki

This is a traditional game from Punjab that was often played in the streets. It’s especially popular among girls aged 4 to 8. Since it’s a traditional game, it requires minimal equipment—just a piece of cloth—and can be enjoyed by any number of players. Kokla Chapaki is not only played in Punjab but has also spread to other parts of the country.

The song sung during the game is:

Kokla Chapaki Jumeraat aayi aye

jera agge pichey wekhey

ohdi shamat aayi aye

How to Play Kokla Chapaki:

• Everyone sits in a circle, except one person who is the “Seeker.”
• The Seeker runs around the circle with a cloth and sings a song to alert the players.
• The Seeker drops the cloth behind one of the players. That player needs to notice the cloth and try to tag the Seeker before they can take the player’s spot.
• If the player tags the Seeker, the Seeker stays in their role. If not, the player who was tagged becomes the new Seeker.

The game has no strict rules, and players can switch the Seeker whenever they want.

4. Lukan Miti(Hide and Seek)

This game is suitable for everyone, regardless of whether they’re a girl or a boy. There’s no limit to the number of players; you can have anywhere from 5 to 15 participants. The players gather together and select one person to be the “Dai” or seeker. Once the Dai is chosen, the other players hide, and the Dai’s job is to find them.

How to Play and Rules of the Lukan Miti

• One person closes their eyes for 90 seconds
• The others will hide and they will call “Come” then Dai will come and look for them.
• If he/she finds anyone then the first person becomes the new Dai and if fails to do so then he has to reattempt the chance and find all other players.
• This game is played usually in the evening but can be played in the morning or afternoon depending on the hiding spots.
• If all players hide successfully, the game continues

5. Kikli

Kikli is not just a game; it’s a traditional dance from Punjab. It has gained so much popularity that it’s now a favorite activity among children, particularly girls. While there are no strict rules for playing Kikli, it requires at least two people. In Punjabi, there’s a well-known saying about Kikli that highlights its cultural significance.

Kikli kleer di

Pag mere vir dee

Daupatta mere bhai da

Phitte mun jawai da

How to Play and Rules of the Kikli Game:

• Kikli is a game primarily for young girls
• In this game, two girls hold hands and move in circles crossing their arms.
• They spin and others ask them to spin faster by singing songs and clapping.
• Sometimes there could be 4 girls spinning together in a group.

This game doesn’t have any strict rules and is mainly played by girls. It usually requires at least two players and is just for fun and entertainment. There are no points or rewards involved, so there’s no winning or losing.

6. Kushti

Kushti is a well-known traditional wrestling game from Punjab that has gained widespread recognition and government interest. The government is working to promote these traditional games alongside modern sports like cricket. In Kushti, two wrestlers compete to pin each other to the ground and keep their opponent down.

This wrestling takes place in traditional Indian training centers called Akhadas, where wrestlers train intensively. Kushti, also known as Pehlwani, is a form of wrestling that is related to Malyutham.

How to play and Rules of the Kushti:

• The wrestling match takes place in the Akhada.
• Two wrestlers compete until one’s back touches the ground.
• The aim is to wrestle and overpower the opponent while defending against their moves.
• Upon touching the ground the player loses the match and the winner parades around the court.

Laws(Rules) of the kushti:

• These kushti matches don’t happen in rounds and usually last around 30 minutes, the duration can be extended if the players agree.
• Players start on a field called Akhada, which can be round or square and must be at least 14 feet away.
• They apply dirt (Mitti) to gain control.
• No punching and kicking is allowed.
• Knockout submissions are also allowed.

7. Bandar Killa(keela)

This game is widely enjoyed in villages and rural areas of Punjab, where many children play it together. To start, they dig a hole, put a pole in it, and tie a four-foot rope to the pole. This traditional game has been played for many years, with some claiming it dates back to 1902. It used to be a popular winter pastime for boys in Punjab, India.

How to play and rules of Bandar Killa:

• Players find a spot, dig a hole, plant a pole, and tie a 4-foot rope.
• After the setup process, everyone takes off one shoe and creates a pile near the pole.
• One player becomes the “catcher, ” holding the rope near the pole.
• The catcher holding the rope tries to stop others from getting their slippers or shoes.
• If during the process catcher touches any problem then that person becomes a new catcher
• And then the games go on.

To choose who will be the catcher, people often use a method called “Pugatta” to decide turns and positions.

8. Pithoo (Pithoo Garam)

Pithoo is a classic game from Punjab that’s especially popular with kids and deeply rooted in Punjabi culture. It brings back fond childhood memories and a sense of nostalgia. The game is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment—just a ball and some flat stones.

How to play and Rules of Pithoo:

• The game is played between groups or individually with at least 5 players.
• Team or players take turns as strikers and fielders.
• A soft ball and some flat surfaced stones are needed to play the game.
• Strikers aim to hit the stone tower with a ball.
• If the ball isn’t hit or caught after a bounce, the striker is out.
• Out players wait outside until the team’s turn ends.
• The Striker team rebuilds the tower while avoiding the ball.
• The Fielder team tries to hit striker team members.
• Game ends if the tower isn’t rebuilt or the striker team is hit.
• Striker team earns points or can call back a member if the tower is rebuilt.
• Once all striker team members are out, the opposite team becomes the striker, and the game restarts.

There aren’t any official rules for the game of Pithoo; you just need a group of players and some flat stones. It’s important to play in a safe, open space to prevent any accidents.

9. Khuddo khoondi

Khuddo Khoondi is a traditional game similar to field hockey, but with different equipment. It was popular among school children in the past who were not in formal education. They used simple, handmade gear, including curved tree branches they found while looking after cattle, and a ball made from rags and string.

How to Play and Rules of the Khuddo Khoondi:

• The game involves using a ball made of rags and a stick to hit the ball. 
• Players Play on the grassy or desi field playground.
• Players take some natural uncurved sticks and try to score by hitting the ball in the opponent’s corner.
• Teams try to prevent the other team from scoring by defending their own goal.
• Whichever team scores the most goals, wins the game.

The game rules can differ and depend on the local customs and traditions of the players.

10. Oonch Neech Ka Papda

This game is commonly played by young kids in uneven areas with different heights. ‘Oonch’ means a higher surface, like a platform or podium, while ‘Neech’ refers to a lower surface compared to the ‘Oonch’. The game is called different names in various parts of India, such as “Kumir Daanga” in West Bengal and “Nela Banda” in Andhra Pradesh.

How to play and Rules of the Game:

• Children play this game on uneven surfaces with one part lower and the other comparatively higher.
• Out of these children, one becomes a “Denner”.
• Others ask if the Denner chooses “oonch” or “neech.”
• Depending on the Denner’s choice, players quickly move to the opposite level.
• The Denner tries to catch players in their chosen area. So, Players must keep moving and shouldn’t stay in one spot too long.
• Wosover the Denner catches becomes the next Denner and the game continues like that.

This is a simple game with no high-end official rules and can be played as per the local terms and rules.

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Conclusion:

Traditional games from Punjab give us a window into the region’s rich culture and traditions. Games like kabaddi and Gulli Danda highlight aspects of Punjabi life such as strength, agility, and simplicity. To truly experience the essence of these games, take a break from gadgets and immerse yourself in the fun and excitement they offer. Step away from your busy schedule and try these refreshing traditional games for a change of pace.

FAQ

What is a traditional game from Punjab?

One of the most well-known traditional games from Punjab is Kabaddi. Other traditional games from the region include Kushti and Khuddo Khoondi, which is similar to hockey.

What is the indigenous sport of Punjab?

Gatka is the traditional sport of Punjab. It is a type of martial arts practiced by Sikhs and other communities in the region.

What sports do they play in Punjab culture?

Punjabi people enjoy a range of sports and games, including modern ones like hockey and cricket as well as traditional games such as kabaddi, kushti, and Khuddo Khoondi.

Write the names of the five traditional games of Punjab.

Various traditional games of Punjab were once popular but now are seen nowhere with the advent of technology. Here are a few traditional games of Punjab:
Kikli
Oonch neech ka Papda
Bandar killa
Gilli danda
Kushti

What is Bandar Killa’s game in Punjab?

Bandar Killa is a popular rural traditional game of Punjab where kids open their shoes near a pole and then the Denner tries to prevent those players from taking their respective shoes.