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In the heart of Bangladesh, a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage, sports and indoor games have long played an important role in its diverse culture and history.
There is a treasure trove of nostalgic indoor games played predominantly by children along with the women in middle-income families. These age-old pastimes have served as a source of entertainment and social bonding, skill development, and preserving cultural traditions.
As the world advances technologically, it is crucial to spotlight these traditional indoor games to appreciate their significance in the collective psyche of Bangladesh's middle-income families.
Unfortunately, today's children are so involved in video games that traditional games such as ludo, carrom, snake-ladder, hide and seek have been entirely forgotten. Gone are the days when children couldn't wait to get outside and play Ekka-dokka or hopscotch with their neighbours and friends.
Salma Parvin, a mother of two children, shared her childhood memories. She said, "I miss those moments spent playing ludo, hopscotch, bouchi, and borof paani as a kid. We enjoyed it a lot. Sometimes accidents happen, such as little cuts. And the real fear was the thought of going home with it and facing our moms. Unfortunately, my kids never knew the joy of those games. Mobile phones, laptops, or video games often consume them."
Traditional games have been a part of our society and culture for many years. These are frequently passed down from generation to generation. These games are timeless. They connect a 10-year-old, a 30-year-old, and a 50-year-old. Everyone enjoys these games.
Ludo
Ludo may be the most played and popular board game in Bangladesh. People of all ages enjoy it the same. A lot of board games came and went. A lot of them edged out. But Ludo stood the test of time. Ludo is more than just a game; it's a social event. People often gather afternoons or evenings to play Ludu, sharing laughter, stories, and snacks.
Snakes and ladders
Snakes and Ladders is another popular dice board game in Bangladesh. Ludo, Snakes, and ladders are made on the opposite side of the same board in Bangladesh.
Lattu
Even today, spinning top, or lattu, is a popular game among Bangladeshi villages. This simple game has been around since 3500 BC. Tops had originally been made of clay. Later, wooden tops were used.
Two or more people may play this game. All of the participants wrap the thread around their tops and then unwind it by pulling the string, causing the top to spin on the ground. The winner is the one whose top spins the longest.
Ekka-dokka
Ekka-dokka is also a traditional game, mostly played by women. It is also called guti.
Gulli danda
It is also known as Danguli khela. One of the most fascinating games in rural Bangladesh. It is played using a tiny piece of wood, a gulli (about 4 inches), and a two-foot stick, a danda. Gulli is put atop a shallow hole (four inches dug into the ground), and the danda is used to push Gulli off. The opposing player attempts to capture the gulli.
Chor-police
One of the most popular indoor games. It needs four players to play.
Openti Bioscope
Two players form a 'gate' by holding hands, and other players attempt to go through the gate before it is lowered. This game brings back so many memories and colourful days of childhood.
Bouchi
Bouchi is an enjoyable and simple game that children are used to playing in the afternoon. This game is filled with joy and excitement. It's a fun game that includes a lot of running and chasing.
Kanamachi
It is a traditional game popular in our country. Children mainly play it.
Carrom
Carrom is a popular pastime board game in Bangladesh. Mostly teenagers play it.
Kho-kho
Another well-known traditional Bangladeshi sport. It's a team sport. It is assumed to be an altered version of 'Run Chase.' In its most basic form, Run Chase is played by running after another player and touching them to win.
Hopscotch
It is one of the most popular traditional games in the country. It is also called kith kith. On the floor, a ladder grid is drawn and numbered. After that, a stone or other object is tossed on any number, and the player must hop their way to the numbered block without stepping on the edges or any other block. This game is also a fantastic form of daily exercise for children.
Hide-and seek
Kids of all ages love to play this game. It is called 'luko-churi' in Bengali. One player hides from others and must search for the hidden player.
These games are not just games. They contained emotion and laughter and created core memories that we cherish today.