Design Resource
Indian Games
Culture of Play
by
Gilli Danda
Introduction:
Gilli Danda is a game played by a group of minimum 4 boys aged 8 years and above. It is a popular game in all parts of rural India with variations in name and scoring method. This game is precursor to the game of cricket where the ball is replaced with Gilli. Gilli Danda is known by different names in different parts of India. In Tamil, it is known as Kitti Pul, in Bengali as Danguli, in Kannada as Chinni Dandu, in Marathis as Viti Dandu, in Telegu as Gooti Billa etc.
How to Play:
The players are divided in two teams to play this game – the hitter team and the opponent team. To play this game, one needs a long stick named as danda, and a short stick with tapered ends, generally known as gilli. The danda is used to flick the short gilli into the air, and hit again to make it travel to a maximum distance. In case the hitter is unable to flick the gilli, their turn gets over after three chances. The hitter’s score is measured by the distance from the place where he hit the gilli and the place it landed, measured by the danda. The opposing team has to try and catch the gilli while it is up in the air. If the opposing team catches the gilli, then the hitter ends his turn.
Conclusion:
Gilli Danda helps in improving hand eye coordination. It also fosters healthy competitive spirit and builds concentration power. Above all, it provides a mode of interaction with children in a similar age group.
