Indian Games
Introduction:
Lagori/Pithoo is a high energy outdoor team game that is widely played in most parts of the country by both rural and urban children. This game is more common with young boys aged 5 and above. Other commonly known names for this game are Lagori, Sitoliya, Saat Patha, Lingocha, Ezhu Kallu, Dabba Kal, etc.
How to Play:
The game is played between two teams - the seeker and the hitter, with at least 3 players in each team. It is played with a set of 7 to 11 flat and light stones and a softball. The flat stones of varied sizes are stacked up on each other in ascending order with smallest on top, in the center of a small circle.
The two teams stand on either side of the diagonal of the circle at least a meter away from the circle. Members of Seeker team get three chances each to dislodge the stone pile using the ball. If one fails, next member comes in and gets his chance. When all the members of Seeker team fail to hit the stones, the ball is given to the opposite team. The fun starts when someone from the Seeker team scatters the stones by hitting with the ball. At this point, aim of Seeker team is to restack the stone-pile back pile before the Hitter team hits any of the Seeker team members with the ball. If a player is hit before the pile is complete, the entire team is out and the teams reverse roles. This continues for a specified length of time. The team which has restored more piles wins.
Conclusion:
This game develops aiming skills and strategy building skills in children. It hones the team building spirit in the players. Children also learn to compete in a healthy environment while learning important values of friendship and leadership. This game also provides a platform for social interaction among children.
