The special thing about these games is the fact that they do not require any expensive equipment or uniforms, all they need is space and people, your friend or a family member. The rekindling of emotional human connections matter the most in such games. - Rohit Ambekar, Director of Business and Strategy; Global Indian International School, Singapore. Click here to watch the ITGF video on Youtube. 

GIIS Queenstown Campus hosted the Indian Traditional Games Festival (ITGF) on the 30th of April. This game has been running for about 8 years. ITGF had 13 Indian traditional games which were played at the venue. The games were opened to the public and saw participation from all parts of Singapore communities including local Chinese, local Indian & expats from India. It included a gamut of games from the ever-exciting Kabaddi to the most mischievous marbles, from the fun-filled gilli-danda (bail and stick) to the disciplined team game Kho-Kho. Langadi (one-leg hopping), Lattoo (top), Skipping rope, Pitthoo (also called Lagori), Sagar-gote (five stones), Lemon & Spoon and Sack jumping were some other very popular games of the day. 

There were professional and friendly matches played by the teams which included games such as Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Lagori and Langdi. It was heartening to see parents some of them above the age of 40, playing their childhood games along with the younger generation and demonstrating their skills proudly. Many associations from the Indian community in Singapore joined this festival such as Ramakrishna Mission, Sanskrit Bharati, Vihamgam Yoga, Dharma Today, Hindu centre etc. Global Indian International School & Yuvabharathi International School with more than 150 children of age below 15 played these games.

While the games were played simultaneously at different areas marked by name of Holy Indian Cities for each sport, there was a dedicated section of ladies from different Indian organisations who were performing the art of Rangoli under the guidance of VijayaLaxmiji (Guinness Book record holder for Rangoli).The colours of our great culture were exhibited vividly in the form of a beautiful huge Rangoli carpet (10 m X 10 m) on the theme of “Vasudheva Kutumbkam (Whole world is my Family)” and that was completed in a span of 1 hour & 30 minutes at the venue.

The objective of these games was fulfilled when children took interest in traditional outdoor games. This was also a good chance to practice and learn more about their rich culture.