Let us give-2000-born kids a taste of the games that were not played on smartphones but were played on earth, with mud, wood, and pieces that were considered treasure thenbutwaste now. No money (bet) was involved in these games. They were played just for fun and time pass. Traditional games in Kashmir, such as gulli-danda/laetkij-lutt (tipcat),eco (hide and seek), kanche/bant-te (marbles), saz-ze loung (hopscotch), garamas, gudd-ma-lala, wooden-made guns and a war,ten-che,matchstick/cigarette boxcovercard games,and mud and snow slides, etc; were once integral to childhoods in the Valley. These games, steeped in culture and ingenuity, reflected the resourcefulness of Kashmiri children, who transformed everyday objects into instruments of joy. However, over the years, these traditions have faded, overshadowed by modern entertainment (online yet harmful games) and changing lifestyles.
The Rise: I can recall that almost all children in villages, towns, and even inShahar(pet local name for Srinagar), used to play one or many of these games in the 1980s and 90s after school hours and on holidays. Now, they have vanished like thin air. No one plays them. When these games were introduced in Kashmir is unknown, but they were at their peek till the year 2000. Let me put their construction and beauty for readers; most will cherish reading, some may not like. Still a small, humble attempt for the record.
1. Gulli-danda: In Kashmiri known as Laetkij-lutt.In English known as tipcat. This game is semi-universal. Still played in some parts of the world, but almost vanished in Kashmir. This game was played between two individuals or between two teams with a maximum of 5 players each. This game was played in open fields, such as after-harvest paddy fields,etc. A long wooden rod(danda) was used to hit a small pointed wooden rod(guli) in the air (like bat and ball).The opponent team players scattered in the open fields and scrambled to catch the small pointed wood rod(laetkij). If caught, the player was out of the game; if not, the opponent team players would throw it back,targeting the big rod(lutt) placed on the ground (similar to the cricket ball thrown at wickets for a run out).This game teachedprecision, checked strength, and concentration.
2. Eco: Locally,this game has different names, such as xhap-xaiand chupan-chupaietc. In English, known as hide and seek. This game involved two teams with a minimum of 3 players in each team. It was played indoors as well as outdoors around buildings and in lanes, but not in open fields. This game enhancedour probability skills.
3. Ken-che/bant-te: In English known as marbles. Small, roundand smooth, glass-made balls were used in this game. This game involved a minimum of two opponents. Marbles (10-12) in number were thrown together into a hole carved in the ground. The onesthat landed in the hole were declared won by the player, and the rest that scrambled outside the hole were won only after being hit by a single marble using the index finger of the left hand as a sling while the thumb of the left hand was rested on the ground. This game strengthened our eye coordination, precisionand hitting skills.
4. Saz-ze-loung:In English known as hopscotch. This game was played in aangans (home lawns), roadsides, and at any place around homes with a flat surface. Two columns, each havingthree or four identical squares (1m x 1m) in size,were drawn on the surface of the earth using charcoal or by carving these squares using a pointed rod or wood piece. A shard (kat-ter) or a piece of nylon chappal, square-shaped (5cm – 5cm) in size, was pushed by one foot from the first square through all squares without touching the vertical or horizontal lines of the set, and with another foot/leg kept above ground, not to be touched back till the last square and out of it is reached. This game teached the acts of balancing, concentration and maneuverability while pushing shard through all squares.
5. Garmas: A minimum of seven pieces of broken earthen pot pieces (shards) and a soft ball made of scraps of fabric at home are central to this game. This game involved a minimum of three players in each team. The toss-wining team wasgiven a chance to play first. From theopponent’s team, one player stationed behind the shards opposite the ball thrower, like a wicketkeeper. Seven shards were put one above the other to create a tower. One player used to throw the ball to hit the tower of shardsso that they fell apart. If the ball thrower missed the target and the shard keeper could catch the ball, the ball thrower was declared out; if the shard keeper missed the catch, he and his other players would throw the ball, hitting the players of the playing team directly. In that course, if the playing team members could assemble the shards back into the tower, they were declared winners, and the game continued.
6. Gud-Ma-Lala:The central aim of this game was “transaction of mud (rab) for hole”. This game may have different local names across Kashmir. This game involved throwing a kach-cha mud (rab)madebowl upside down to create a hole in the base. Players used to use saliva (thook) to polish the inner base of the bowl to make it as thin as possible so as to achieve better results. The bigger the hole, the greater the loss of mud for the opponent. It teaches skill, strategy, and a touch of geology, as kids experimented with the perfect mud consistency for a bigger hole for good results. This game was played between two individuals or sometimes in pairs as opponents. Both boys and girls used to play this game, especially after harvesting paddy, as mud of paddy lands was more suitable for this game.
7. Wooden Guns And MockWar: Children would carve guns from wood and engage in mock battles, often re-enacting news stories and local folklore. These games were a way of processing the complex political environment while nurturing camaraderie and imaginative play. Hijacking,kidnaping,ambush, arms recovery, and all sorts of fun were part of this game.
8. Ten-che: Five smooth stone pebbles and two players. Stages of the game included dok-kas,truk-kas,xuk-kas, and panj-jas. Pebbles were kept on theground/floor. One pebble was picked and thrown upwards; the player should collect remaining four pebbles from the ground before the pebble that was thrown up is caught again. This game was mostly played indoors between mothers and daughters.
9. A Different Teen Patti: Instead of Teen Patti card game, children used to collect covers of matchstick and cigarette boxes and play card games. No money in buying cards was involved. This game demonstrated their ability to adapt and innovate even in resource-scarce settings.
10. Mud And Snow Slides: During summer, children would slide down mud slopes, and in winter, they’d switch to snow-covered hills, using polythene sheets under their buttocks. This local adaptation of snowboarding was not only fun but also a testament to the Kashmiri spirit of making the best of every season.
These games taught practical skills—gud ma lala required physics and geometry, while wooden gun battles fostered storytelling and role-playing.Games like eco and gulli danda were not just play; they were lessons in teamwork, leadership, and negotiation. Children learned to handle competition, celebrate victories, and accept losses with grace.The physically demanding nature of games like saza-loung and mud slides promoted fitness, while strategic games like kanche and matchstick box cards enhanced mental agility.
“During the event of Soan Meras Festival, DC Srinagar played saz-ze loung on the occasion. The traditional games of Kashmir, if revived, can counter smart phone overuse by present and coming generations and can boost the immunity and overall health of children while playing.”
The Fall: The sprawling concrete landscape of modern Kashmir has encroached upon open spaces. Traditional playgrounds like sarai (public grounds) and wath (village fields) have given way to roads and buildings, pushing children indoors. The allure of smartphones, video games, and television has replaced the charm of outdoor play. The immersive world of digital entertainment offers instant gratification, unlike traditional games that required creativity and patience. With education systems emphasizing structured learning and competitive exams, children have little time for free play. Parents, influenced by global trends, often prioritize modern sports or digital skills over traditional games. The influence of global media has introduced children to international sports and modern toys, often sidelining local traditions. Cricket and football have become the go-to games, pushing gulli danda and waal waesh into oblivion. Earlier, Kashmiri neighbourhoods were close-knit, and children played under the watchful eyes of elders. With changing social dynamics and safety concerns, children’s play has moved indoors, reducing the communal aspect of traditional games.
Impact of Decline: Traditional games were a repository of Kashmiri culture, language, and values. Their decline signifies a disconnect with heritage, as newer generations lose touch with local traditions and storytelling. The physical benefits of traditional games are now being replaced by sedentary lifestyles, contributing to health issues such as obesity and reduced physical fitness among children. Games like eco were much about building friendships as they were about play. Their disappearance has led to fewer opportunities for children to learn social cues, conflict resolution, and empathy.
Revivability? Educational institutions can play a pivotal role by integrating traditional games into their sports and recreation programs. Activities like gud-ma-lala can be used in science lessons, while handmade slings could inspire art and craft projects. Local festivals and fairs could dedicate spaces to traditional games, allowing parents to share their childhood experiences with their children. Such events could also attract tourists looking for authentic Kashmiri experiences. Social media, documentaries, and blogs can help document traditional games, preserving rules, techniques, and cultural contexts. Digital storytelling can bridge the generational gap, making these games accessible to tech-savvy youth. Government programs focusing on heritage preservation could fund initiatives to promote traditional games. NGOs working in education and community development can use these games as tools for learning and engagement.
Future: Imagining a future where traditional Kashmiri games regain their place in society involves blending tradition with modernity. Digital platforms could introduce interactive tutorials on saz-ze loungencouraging children to experience them in real life. Hybrid games that mix traditional elements with modern playstyles could appeal to a new generation. Kashmir could set an example by showcasing traditional games in schools, parks, and public events, not merely as relics of the past but as living traditions that contribute to holistic development.
Conclusion: The story of traditional Kashmiri games is not just about reclaiming lost childhoods but also about preserving a cultural legacy. These games were not merely a pastime; they were educators, community builders, and carriers of cultural wisdom. The decline of these games has created a cultural void, but with conscious efforts, they can once again become a vibrant part of Kashmiri life.Reviving these games is an opportunity to offer children a balanced upbringing—where technology and tradition go hand in hand, and where play is not just entertainment but a means of learning, bonding, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. Untill then it is a journey passed.
(The author a freelancer is also teacher and a researcher based in Gowhar Pora Chadoora. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Ashraf Zainabi
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