The Top 10 Games Played in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, a state rich in history and culture, has a wide variety of games ingrained in traditional and contemporary leisure activities. However, among the most popular indoor Rajasthan games, Pachisi is the most popular game, often referred to as Ludo worldwide. Players of all ages love its strategic nuance and ease of use. You can also play Ludo online on various gaming apps where you can win real cash. 

So, let’s discover the best and most popular games of Rajasthan.

Outdoor Games Played in Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s outdoor games are more than just sports; they are festivals of the state’s cultural legacy, capturing the energy and spirit of the people who live there.

Kabaddi: Thunderous Clashes and Tactical Raids

Kabaddi is one of the highly favored and best games to play in Rajasthan, and it blends quickness, strength, and strategy. The intensive physical involvement and Indian wrestling heritage of the game are its main draws. Kabaddi is one the best games played in Rajasthan that fosters cooperation and physical fitness.

Rajasthan has made a significant contribution to the sport of Kabaddi in India, with various players emerging from the state to compete at national and international levels. Here are some prominent Kabaddi players from Rajasthan who have made significant contributions to multiple tournaments: 

• Kamlesh Nagarkoti
• Deepak Niwas Hooda 
• Sahil Gulia 
• Nitin Panwar

Gulli Danda: Nostalgic Swings of Childhood Joy

Gulli Danda is one of the best traditional games played in Rajasthan, especially in rural areas. It is an Indian sport that is similar to baseball and cricket. This easy-to-learn game improves hand-eye coordination and physical agility. It is played with a large stick and a shorter one.

How Gilli Danda is Played in Rajasthan:

• Setup: The game is usually played in open spaces or streets. The Gilli is placed on a small hole or a raised stone so that one end touches the ground and the other is in the air.
• Objective: The striker uses the danda to strike the Gilli at its elevated end, flipping it into the air. Once airborne, the player hits the Gilli as far as possible with the danda.
• Scoring: After hitting the Gilli, the player races to a predetermined position and returns to the starting point while the opposite players retrieve the Gilli. The amount of runs scored is determined by the distance the Gilli is struck and how many times the player sprints between the locations before retrieving it.

Getting Out: If the Gilli is seized by an opponent after being struck but before it reaches the ground, the striker is out.

Camel Polo: Bold Tactics and Majestic Showdowns

A fascinating twist on classic polo, camel polo is exclusive to Rajasthan’s desert scenery. This is one of those games to play in Rajasthan that may have an admission cost during holiday seasons. Playing Camel Polo improves coordination, balance, and teamwork.

How Camel Polo is Played:

• Setup: Camel polo adheres to the basic rules of regular polo but is tailored for camels. The game is played on a broad, flat surface, usually a polo ground. Each team has players mounted on camels, and the purpose is to score goals by hitting a small ball into the opposing team’s goal with a long-handled mallet.
• Equipment: Players utilize a mallet similar to those used in horse polo. However, adjustments are occasionally made to match the camels’ height and pace.
• Gameplay: Camel polo is often slower and less agile than horse polo since camels move at a slower rate. This, however, adds to the game’s enjoyment and complexity because camels are not naturally suited to the fast manoeuvres required in regular polo.

Experience Camel Polo in Rajasthan

Here are some sites and events where you might be able to witness or participate in a camel polo match:

• Pushkar Fair: Held annually in Pushkar, one of the world’s largest camel fairs. The event occurs in November, during the Hindu lunar calendar’s Kartik Purnima (full moon).
• Jaipur: The Jaipur Riding & Polo Club hosts camel polo tournaments as a particular pastime for its guests. 
• Jodhpur: Similar to Jaipur, camel polo is occasionally included in entertainment packages given by luxury hotels and resorts, particularly those that specialize in authentic Rajasthani experiences.
• Cultural Festivals & Corporate Events: Camel polo matches are organized by some luxury resorts and tourist operators as a unique recreational activity for their guests.

Horse Riding: Majestic Gallops in Nature’s Embrace

In Rajasthan, horseback riding connects with the state’s regal past rather than just as a hobby. It’s one of the most popular games played in Rajasthan, and it may be played competitively or just for fun. Many clubs offer training. Riding a horse enhances mental clarity, muscle strength, and balance.

Best Places for Horse Riding in Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s rich history of royalty and traditional equestrian activities is a top destination for horseback riders. The state has a variety of riding schools, equestrian centres, and resorts where guests can go horseback riding. Here are some famous sites in Rajasthan for horseback riding:

• Princess Trails in Udaipur
• Krishna Ranch near Udaipur
• Dundlod Safari in the Shekhawati region
• Nahargarh Ranthambhore 
• Rohet Garh in Jodhpur
• Jodhpur Polo and Equestrian Institute (JPEI) in Jodhpur

Golf: Precision and Panache on Pristine Greens

With its top-notch golf courses, such as those in Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan has become a particular area for golf. It is one of those popular games to play in Rajasthan. Moreover, it is a combination of strategy and skill, and it has a tranquil setting that provides a soothing diversion from everyday life.

Top Golf Courses in Rajasthan

• Rambagh Golf Club in Jaipur
• Jaipur Golf Course in Jaipur
• Classic Golf Resort
• Jodhpur Golf Course in Jodhpur Army Cantonment

Indoor Games Played in Rajasthan

Indoor games in Rajasthan are essential to social gatherings and family time because they reflect the state’s appreciation of strategy, chance, and interpersonal contact.

Pachisi (Ludo): Traditional Fun with a Modern Twist

Pachisi is one of those ancient games played in Rajasthan that inspired Ludo. This game encourages strategic thinking and strengthens family ties. Its attractiveness has been revived by contemporary digital services such as Zupee, which lets users start the Ludo download process and play online for real money.

Watch this video to learn how to play Ludo and win cash:

Toh Ludo Khelo India aur Jeeto Cash With Unique Ludo Tournaments. 

Moksha Patam (Snakes and Ladders): Spiritual Journey and Fate’s Turns

The next on our list of top games to play in Rajasthan is Moksha Patam, sometimes called Snakes and Ladders, because of its moral messages and straightforward gameplay. There are ladders for virtues and snakes for vices on this metaphorical trip toward salvation.

If you want to learn how to play Snakes & Ladders online, you can check out this video and win cash prizes.

Chaturanga: Ancient Strategic Battles

The ancient game of chaturanga, which predates contemporary chess, requires keen strategic planning and anticipation. Additionally, in Rajasthan, players who enjoy strategic combat and cerebral challenges highly regard this age-old game. The rules of Chaturanga are similar to Chess rules. Therefore, you can win the game easily if you know the strategies & tricks to win chess.

Places to Learn and Play Chess in Rajasthan

• Rajasthan Chess Association (RCA): Based in Jaipur, the RCA promotes chess throughout the state by hosting tournaments and tutoring sessions.
• Chess Clubs in Schools and Colleges: Many educational institutions in Rajasthan have chess clubs that teach the game and discuss its history, including its origins in Chaturanga.
• Community Centers and Sports Clubs: In Rajasthan’s metropolitan and semi-urban areas, various community centers and sports clubs offer chess learning and playing opportunities.

However, if you don’t get to visit these places, you can also play chess online on your smartphone and win exciting prizes.

Tambola (Housie): Enjoy the Thrills of Bingo Nights

In Rajasthan, the tambola is from those games played in Rajasthan, typically social and celebration foods. It is loved for its entertaining, simple-to-follow structure that unites people in a spirit of excitement and expectation. 

Tambola may not have originated in India, but it has been widely adopted by numerous cultures, including those in Rajasthan. It is seen as more than just a game; it is an integral part of the social fabric that aids in forming community relationships while also amusing. Its simplicity and universality make it appropriate for players of all ages and backgrounds.

Know the Tambola rules and win every time.

Rumaal Japati (रुमाल जप्ट्टी): Playful Antics and Quick Reflexes

A handkerchief is used as a prop in the traditional game Rumaal Japati, which is similar to a tag. In addition, played in schools and public areas, it is one of those games to play in Rajasthan and calls for quick reactions and agility.

Rumaal Japati – Gameplay

The game begins with all players creating a circle, either standing or seated and facing inward. One participant, known as “it,” carries a little handkerchief or cloth (the ‘rumaal’). This player sprints around the circle’s perimeter as the others sing or shout. Without being observed, the player with the rumaal must dump it behind one of the circle members.

Once the rumaal is dropped, the player must sprint full circle before returning to the open location without getting captured. Meanwhile, the player who dropped the rumaal must pick it up and chase the original runner, attempting to tag them before they can take up the vacated location. If the runner is tagged, they will remain “it” for another round. If not, the player who could not catch them becomes the new “it.” 

Rumaal Japati showcases Rajasthan’s complex cultural fabric, demonstrating how ancient games may provide simple yet profound joy while teaching teamwork and strategy. 

Rajasthan’s rich modern culture and regal past are reflected in the games played there. From traditional indoor Rajasthan games like Pachisi and Rumaal Japati to royal sports like Camel Polo and Horse Riding, each has a particular place in the hearts of the Rajasthani people. These games enhance the state’s social fabric in addition to being entertaining.

FAQs – Rajasthan Games