The 10 Best Games Played in Bihar

Bihar is a place with a deep history and rich culture. It has lots of traditional games that bring people together, keep culture alive, and help keep minds and bodies healthy. Among these traditional games, Ludo stands out as a family favorite. Originating from the ancient game of Pachisi, Ludo has transcended its classic board format to enter the digital age. Today, numerous Ludo apps allow people to enjoy this traditional game from anywhere, connecting players across the globe. In this article, we will look at the top 10 indoor and outdoor Bihar games, featuring both exciting outdoor games and smart indoor ones.

Outdoor Games Played in Bihar

From sprawling fields to bustling courtyards, the outdoor games of Bihar reflect the region’s enthusiasm for active, community-based recreation. Let us look at the best outdoor games to play in Bihar:

Kabaddi: Uniting Power and Strategy on the Field 

Kabaddi, a sport deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of India, has a rich history in the state of Bihar. This traditional game, believed to have originated thousands of years ago during the Vedic period, has been a popular pastime among the local communities of Bihar. The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility, requiring no equipment and minimal setup, making it a favorite across various demographics in the region.

In the state of Punjab, Kabaddi takes on a prominent role, producing some of the sport’s most distinguished players who have gained national and international fame. Players like Balbir Singh and Harjeet Brar have become synonymous with excellence in Kabaddi, revered not only in Punjab but across the world. Their prowess and strategic gameplay have elevated the profile of Kabaddi, showcasing the sport as a blend of strength, agility, and tactical intelligence. These athletes have helped transform Kabaddi into a professional sport, with extensive training programs and significant followings, further embedding it into the cultural and sporting landscape of Punjab.

Kho-Kho: Speed, Agility, and Teamwork in Action

Kho-Kho in Bihar traces its roots deep into local traditions, serving as a popular playground sport for generations. The game’s simplicity and minimal equipment requirements have made it a staple in schools and community fields across the state. It’s celebrated not only for its physicality but also for promoting teamwork and strategic thinking among players.

Prominent players from Bihar such as Satish Rai, Sarika Kale, and Pankaj Malhotra have become key figures in national Kho-Kho circuits, showcasing exceptional agility and strategic prowess. Their achievements have highlighted the sport’s competitive spirit and contributed to its growing popularity.

EKHAT-DUKHAT (HOPSCOTCH): Leaping Joy in Chalked Squares

EKhat-Dukhat, affectionately termed hopscotch, has woven itself into the fabric of childhood fun in Bihar. This age-old game, known for its simplicity and exuberance, sees children eagerly drawing chalked rectangles on the ground, each one a portal to boundless joy. With nimble feet and bright smiles, they embark on a journey of leaps and bounds, navigating the numbered squares with finesse and laughter.

The rules are straightforward yet enchanting: players take turns tossing a small object into the numbered rectangles, then hop through the squares on one foot, deftly snatching the object as they leap. As the chalked patterns come alive beneath their feet, a symphony of giggles and cheers fills the air, transforming ordinary playgrounds into vibrant arenas of youthful exuberance.

LOOKA-CHHIPI (HIDE AND SEEK): Childhood Camouflage and Seek

Looka-Chhipi, commonly known as Hide and Seek, is a traditional children’s game with ancient roots, possibly dating back to Greece in the 2nd century. In Bihar, India, this game has been a popular pastime among children, often played in the expansive courtyards and agricultural fields. It serves not only as entertainment but also as a way to teach children about strategy and teamwork.

To play Looka-Chhipi in Bihar, one child is chosen as the seeker through a counting-out game, and the others are the hiders. The seeker covers their eyes and counts to a pre-decided number at a home base, while the hiders conceal themselves in the surroundings. Once the counting is done, the seeker searches for the hiders, and the first one found will be the next seeker, or the last one found wins the game, depending on the variant played.

LATTOO (TOP): Spinning Fun with Whirling Wonders

Lattoo, or spinning top, is a traditional game that has been enjoyed by children across India, including Bihar, for generations. The game involves a wooden top, often colorfully painted, which is set spinning using a string wrapped around its body. 

In Bihar, this game is not only a pastime but also a way for children to develop dexterity and coordination. Historically, it also served as a communal activity during festivals and gatherings, where competitions to see whose top could spin the longest were common, enhancing the social bonding among participants.

These are some of the top games to play in Bihar outdoor. Now let us look at the popular games to play in Bihar indoor.

Indoor Games Played in Bihar

Indoor games in Bihar are cherished for their blend of strategy, skill, and social interaction, providing year-round entertainment regardless of the weather. Let us look at the best indoor games in Bihar:

Pachisi: A Classic Indoor Game for All Ages

Rooted deep within the cultural fabric of India, Pachisi has been a family favorite in Bihar for centuries. Historically, this is one of the most popular indoor games played in Bihar. It is considered a precursor to the modern board game Ludo. It reflects a cross-section of leisure and strategy that has been passed down through generations.

Pachisi is played on a board shaped like a symmetrical cross. Participants play with pawns and throw six or seven cowrie shells to determine the number of spaces moved. The objective is to navigate all four of one’s pawns around the board and safely reach the center, or “home,” before the others.

In today’s digital era, Ludo has transitioned online, broadening its appeal and allowing people worldwide to connect and play. Platforms like Zupee have embraced this shift, enhancing user experience with a variety of games. However, it’s important to note that while searches for hacks like “Zupee controller,” “Zupee Hack Controller APK,” and “Zupee MOD APK Unlimited Six” are popular, Zupee promotes fair play and does not support the use of third-party controllers or hacks to ensure a level playing field for all players.

Have a look at the video & learn how to play ludo online on Zupee:

Carrom: The Game of Finesse and Skill

Carrom board game is widely regarded in Bihar as a game that sharpens the mind and enhances hand-eye coordination. It originated in the Indian subcontinent and has been a staple indoor game in Bihari households for decades.

The game involves sliding wooden disks on a smooth board, aiming to sink them into one of the four corner pockets. The game is played by two or four people, who take turns flicking a striker disk to hit these smaller disks.

Chess: The Game of Kings and Intellectuals

Chess game, known as the game of intellect and strategy, holds a revered place in Bihari culture. This two-player strategy board game is believed to have originated in nearby regions, evolving from the ancient Indian game Chaturanga.

Chess is played on a square board divided into 64 squares of alternating colors. Each player controls sixteen pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. The objective is to place the opponent’s king under an inescapable threat of capture, known as “checkmate.”

Cards: The Game of Chance and Strategy

Card games hold a special place in Bihari social life, especially during festive periods like Diwali and Holi. The games played vary widely, but all involve elements of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.

The rules vary by the game, which can include Rummy, Bridge, or the locally popular “Teen Patti” (Three Cards). Generally, these games involve dealing cards from a standard deck, with the objectives ranging from forming particular groups of cards to achieving the highest possible hand rankings.

Table Tennis: Fast-Paced Ping-Pong Precision

Table tennis, or ping-pong, is a relatively newer addition to the array of popular indoor games in Bihar but has quickly become a favorite due to its fast pace and competitive nature.

The game is played on a hard table divided by a net. Players use small paddles to hit a lightweight ball back and forth across the table. The aim is to score points by hitting the ball into the opponent’s half in such a way that they fail to return it properly.

The best games played in Bihar are a vibrant tapestry of tradition and modernity, deeply woven into the daily lives of its people. Whether it’s the strategic challenges of indoor games like Chess and Carrom or the dynamic energy of outdoor games like Kabaddi and Kho-Kho, these activities offer more than just entertainment. They preserve cultural heritage, promote physical health, and foster strong community bonds. Engaging in these games allows Biharis of all ages to connect with their heritage and each other, making each match a celebration of shared history and collective joy.

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