Relive fun times at ‘Games of Goa’

PANAJI: While some Goans are gearing up for an upcoming EDM festival, others are preparing for the return of the state’s old-world games. A two-day extravaganza of traditional Goan games called ‘Games of Goa’, will be held on February 23 and 24 at the SAG grounds in Campal, Panaji.
There will be dedicated spaces for each of the over 15-18 indoor and outdoor games at the venue.Traditional games such logorio, nokoryo,Tablam, gud fale, tiktem, waagaani, koinde baal, bodyaani (Goan hopscotch), vhiraani (broom sticks), fatrani (stones), khambyani (pillars), biyaani (cashew nuts), kovchyaani (bangle pieces), sune aani haad (dog and the bone), vetaani and ringaani will all be played decades after they were introduced.
The organising team has documented the rules of the games and with the aid of videos, printed displays and instructions, first-time players can learn and start playing them all.
“The games we played as children are getting slowly forgotten. We plan to revive them and share them with friends, family and the next generation. These games were simple but provided ample exercise to the mind and body,” said Dattaprasad Shetkar, one of the organisers.
“In this age of social media and PUBG (a popular online game), there is a need to reconnect and enjoy some of our traditional games. ‘Games of Goa’ will be a platform for both Goans and tourists to enjoy,” said Varun Hegde, founder of Soul Travelling, an organisation based in Goa.
The event will also have stalls containing memorabilia such as pidyanchi bats (cricket bats made from coconut leaf stalk), gofins (catapult), aate (metal rings), tyres, fotaas, etc. as well as zhopale (swings), score cards, trivia and quizzes. It will even feature stalls of toys and coconut leaf art.
One of the featured events on February 23 will be tablam — a competition that traditionally comprises eight teams. Goan singer and musician Singer Varun Carvalho, who has composed an anthem, ‘Khell Goa Khell’, will performing and . ‘Piken’, the festival mascot, will also be released.