Design Resource
Indian Games
Culture of Play
by
Akkad Bakkad
Introduction:
‘Akkad Bakkad’ is a very popular game played in most Indian homes. This game does not need any other equipment other than human resources and a place to sit in a circle. The game is played between two or more players of varied age groups.
How to Play:
All the players sit in a close circle with their hands on the floor facing down and fingers spread apart. One player becomes the leader and participates by keeping only one hand as against all other players who place both their hands on the ground. Only the leader recites the song of Akkad Bakkad touching fingers of every player one by one. This continues in a clockwise manner touching one finger at a time. The player on whose finger the song ends (with the word bhaaga or be-sha-ram if playing with the extension version) closes his finger and the game continues by repeating the same recitation from the finger immediately next to the one closed. Each finger closed is skipped and not counted while reciting the song. One by one all fingers close and players with all five fingers closed can take their hands away. The player first with all ten fingers closed wins the game. The game continues until all the players get to close each of their fingers.
The song:
Akkad bakkad bambe bo
Assi nabbey poorey Sau
Sau me laga dhaaga
Chor nikal ke bhaaga
Extension:
Rani ki beti sothi thi
Moti ki mala boti thi
Chai garam biscuit naram
Khaane waale be-sha-ram
Variation:
A quicker version of this game is commonly seen being played when there are more players. In this variation, players may decide to close one hand instead of closing one finger at a time.
The game is played with variations in the song in other regions. In West Bengal, the game is played with the following song:
Ikir mikir cham chikir,chamer kata mazumdar,
De elo damodar, damodarer hari kuri,
Deoale bose chal kuri, chal kurte holo bela,
Bhat khae se dupur bela, bhate porlo machi,
Kodal diye chachi, kodal holo bhota,
Khek sheyal er matha
Conclusion:
This game helps in developing patience and concentration in children. The game tests the knowledge of sequencing in children and provides a good platform for social interaction. This game also enhances leadership quality.
