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Design Resource
Indian Games
Culture of Play
by
Posham Pa
Introduction:
Posham Pa is an outdoor game played with 3 or more players. This game is more commonly played in rural India by 4 to 8 year old.
How to Play:
Two players make a gate like structure by joining their hands and holding it high up together. These players sing the song while others pass through the gate by running around the players in a line. Once the song finishes the players close the gate and one of the players is caught inside the gate. The game ends when all the children have been caught at the gate.
Variation:
The game is played with an extension in certain regions. In the longer version of the game, the player who is caught in the gate is asked a question secretly with two options and accordingly it is decided which team he/she joins. Once all the players are caught one by one there are two teams formed. With a skipping rope in between the teams try to pull each other. The team which is able to pull all opposite team members towards them wins.
Song:
Poshampa bhai poshampa (singing with hands acting as gates)
Lal quiley me kya hua
Sau rupaye ki ghadi churai
Ab toh jail mein aana padega
Jail ki roti khani padegi
Jail ka paani peena padega
Ab toh jail me aana padega! (Close the gates and try catch a player)
Conclusion:
This game develops pattern building in children while they walk to a rhythmic song. It offers good social interaction with children. The extension part of this game tests strength and decision making in children.
