Srinagar March 22 (KNS) : We at KNS Kashmir have compiled a list of traditional games which are popular in Kashmir since decades. Here is an opportunity to be nostalgic.

From mud homes to concrete homes, Kashmir has definitely evolved with time particularly with respect to lifestyle. Earlier, Kashmir could be picturised with modest kids playing hopscotch in the streets of Srinagar. Over the years, Kashmir has drastically evolved for the good thus opening the doors to new games and entertainment. Nevertheless, the traditional games played earlier still leaves the Kashmiris with immense zeal and they are still played widely. 

This article offers you a short glimpse of all the traditional games played and enjoyed by the Kashmiris. Continue to read on!

Best-loved traditional games played by Kashmiris even today

Below are some of the top traditional games enjoyed by the Kashmiris even today. These games have definitely come a long way in attracting millions of people over a period of time. Take a close look!

Hopscotch 

Also known as Saz Loung, Hopscotch is one of the traditional games played by both men and women. This game involves making a huge rectangular box on the floor having smaller six boxes named Awal, Doum, Soum, Jaanat, Samandar and Jehnum. A box comparatively smaller in size is drawn on the upper side of the huge rectangular box called a Queen or Dullej or Batta. 

This game can be played either in teams or individually. The game begins with the players throwing the smaller piece either a wooden or shoe polish box filled with mud in the first box and this piece has to cross the boxes without touching the boundaries with only one leg, the other leg being hanging. After taking hold of all the six boxes, the player has to aim for the Doluej and throw the piece into it. Later with his back facing the boxes, he/she should throw the wooden piece over his/her head to conquer the boxes. The team or person who won more boxes is declared as the winner.

Garam

Also popularly called Santooli, Garam is mostly played by boys or men. In this game, the players form two different teams. All they do is collect seven small pieces of broken earthen pot or stones that can pile up on each other to form a small tower. This pile is then aimed at by one of the players of the team. This player has to hit the pile in three attempts by a ball. After hitting the pile, the player runs away and tries to recompile the pile again.

Meanwhile, the players of the opposite team hit them by the ball. Well, if they succeeded in hitting all the players one by one, the team is then declared out. On the other hand,  if they succeed in recompiling the pile again, they are given another chance to hit the pile or they would earn the points. The team that successfully compiles the pile win the game chanting aloud Garam!

Joutas

This is a popular outdoor game played by both genders. In this game, one of the players is blindfolded with a piece of cloth while other players tease him, by pushing him, pulling his clothes and run around him. If the blindfolded person gets hold of any of them, the positions are exchanged. Elders believe that this game requires more focus and concentration. 

Teen Patti

This is also one of the most popular card games played by Kashmiris during cold winters when all other forms of outdoor activities seem difficult. Teen Patti is typically played with 3 to 6 players and has rules similar to Poker and Indian Rummy. It is played using 52-deck cards without jokers. The game commences by placing a fixed amount as a bet before the cards are dealt by a dealer. After all the players have placed their bets, the boot amount is collected and placed in the centre of the table. This boot amount is the minimum amount that is required for the players to be in the game. Once the cards are dealt, the players raise or call bets which makes the pot bigger. Eventually, the player with the best hand takes the pot. The above rules also apply to Teen Patti online which is enjoyed by gaming enthusiasts worldwide.