In an age where mainstream is too boring and weird and quirky is the in thing, there are some physical games played across India which are not only thrilling and fun to watch but also unconventional. Here is a list of some of them. Go try them!
Chungi
I had to mention the chungi first because a little before the wide screen TVs and mobile phones, in a small town called Darjeeling was a girl who was more a tomboy and loved playing a mostly male dominated game of kicking the chungi. Chungi is a ball made of rubber bands, mostly the plain ordinary black rubber band. The game of chungi is enjoyed and played even today. Though the origin of the game is still unsure, as some claim it originated in Nepal while some say it came from East Asia. The game requires you to bend one foot, and kick the ball in the air while you stand on the other foot. I guess that’s where my first lessons in balancing my life started.
Well Of Death : Maut Ka Kuan
A game that was very common during the time when the moving Circus or Mela in India was one big happening event for families to go to. In this game the driver shows his motorcycle or car driving skills in a track that is the form of a barrel or a well. The drivers try to outdo each other in speed, which is an extremely thrilling stunt to watch and equally dangerous for the ones involved in it too. This game is a great example of the application of gravitational law.
Pig Fight: Ke Nang Haun
This is a tribal sport played in the Nicobar Islands. What makes it interesting is that it tests a human’s ability to control an animal. A caged pig is set free into the fields and the participant needs to grab it by its ears to tame it. The one who manages to do so is considered a good fighter or the best fighter of the island.
The Coconut Rugby: Yubi Lakbi
This Manipuri game is probably why the Americans enjoy their game of Rugby. This age old game could be the inspiration behind the modern day Rugby; however, this is an individual game and is played using a coconut, instead of a rugby ball. At the end of the game, the player has to present a coconut soaked in oil to the winner.
Kambala; Buffalo Race
Kambala is a game that is very popular along the coastline of Karnataka, played by farmers. From November to March, there are over 40 buffalo races that take place. What’s interesting is that even though the poor buffalos are used in this game, it was originally conceived as a way to pray for the wellbeing of the buffalos!
