Unit 4

Physical Education and Traditional Games and

Yoga Recreation

Prof. Sanjay Saxena

SMS Varanasi
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

Unit 4
Traditional Games and Recreation
3.1. Meaning of Traditional Games
Traditional games are those games within a society that people have played for many
years because participation gives them a chance to practice something that has
meaning within their society (Bressan, & Van Der Merwe, 1992).
Traditional games such as Gilli-Danda, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Stapu, and Kanche are
defined as those that are played informally with minimal equipment, that children learn
by example from other children, and that can be played without reference to written
rules. The rules are easy to understand, memorize and comply with but are also
negotiable as they can be varied. They do not require many materials and the
necessary ones are not very expensive. They are simple and easy to share with other
players. They can be practiced anytime, anywhere. They are the games and
movements that are traditional to our culture. The traditional game is an activity that
has characteristics such as satire, intelligence, and mobility which are found in the folk
culture.
Traditional Sports and Games (TSG), recognized by UNESCO as a world intangible
heritage, are more than their title suggests. In the purest sense, they are the games
and movements that are traditional to our cultures, from dances to ball games and
water sports.
3.2. Types of Traditional Games in India
Traditional games are the most important part of Indian culture. There are many
traditional games in India, and few most popular ones are elucidated as under:
1. Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a highly energetic and interesting sport invented in India and is specially
made for adrenaline junkies. The game is known as Hadudu in Bangladesh,
Baibalaa in the Maldives, and Hututu in Maharashtra. It is one of the rare sports
that can be played without any equipment.
Rules
• This is the first and foremost rule. The raiders should take a breath and Antone
‘kabaddi kabaddi’ without any break.

1
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

• The raider should tag a member of the opposite team and return to his half.
• A player is ‘out’ when they break the breath or fail in tagging the opponent
team member.
• 30 seconds are available for each raid.
• If the raider fails to reach his half within time, he is out and the opposite team
gets one point.

2. Kho-Kho
Kho-Kho is another popular traditional Indian sport invented and developed in
ancient India. After Kabaddi, Kho-Kho is the most prevalent tag game in the
subcontinent. The present form of Kho-Kho can be dated back to 1914 during
World War I. However, at that time, there were no poles or other playground
dimensions. The time factor was missing as well.

2
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

Rules
It consists of two teams. The game involves 12 nominated players out of a total of
15. At a given time, the chasing team’s nine players sit on their knees alternately
facing in opposite directions with the 3 players from the defending team trying to
avoid being touched by members of the opposing team. The team that takes the
shortest time to tap all the opponents on the field, wins.
3. Gilli-Danda
This game requires two sticks. The smaller stick should be an oval-shaped wooden
piece known as Gilli and the longer stick is known as danda. The player needs to
use the danda to hit Gilli at the raised end, which then flips in the air. When it is
in the air, the player needs to hit Gilli, as far as possible. Then, the player runs to
touch a point outside the circle before Gilli is taken by another player. The secret
of winning this game lies in how well is the gilli raised and hit. It can be played by
any number of players.

4. Kanche
Kanche is yet another interesting and inexpensive game from India. It is a favorite
game among youngsters, it is played using dark green glass marbles known as
‘Kancha’. The game involves a player hitting the selected target marble using one
of his marble. Traditionally, the winner of the game takes away all marbles from
the losing players. The marble is held between the right hand and the forefinger
of the left hand. The finger is pulled backward and is released with pressure almost
in a spring action. There are various versions of the game from easy to complicated
ones.

3
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

5. Stapoo
Stapoo is a popular outdoor game played widely by girls across regions. It is
commonly played by girls in the age group of 6 to 12. The game can be played by
any number of players taking turns in a pre-defined sequence. Commonly 3 - 5
players are involved. If the number of people is large, more grids are drawn. This
game is known by various names like Tikkar Billa in North, Chhipri in Maharashtra,
Kith-Kith in West Bengal, etc.

How to Play:
The players need a small flat stone and a flat ground on which the grid can be
drawn. The grid is drawn on the ground either with chalk or using a stick on sand.
Squares are drawn within the grid and are numbered in a sequence in which they
are to be hopped. The pattern of the grid varies from place to place.
The player starts the game by throwing a stone inside the first square. The stone
must land within the confines of the square. The player hops through the court,
landing on one foot in single squares and both feet in double squares. At the end
of the course, the player turns around and moves back to the beginning, stopping
to pick up the stone on the way back. If the player successfully finishes the course,
he or she throws the stone into the second square and repeats the exercise. The

4
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

player loses a chance to play every time he or she is unable to throw the stone
within the designated area of the square, or if they lose balance. She/he will start
in their turn from where they had stopped in his last turn. The first player to move
the stone through the entire grid wins the game.
Variation:
This game is played in different regions with variations in the rules as well as the
grid that is drawn.
In some regions, the game is extended by the players by trying to capture the
squares to build 'houses' on the squares. After completing the entire course of the
grid, the player stands with their back towards the rectangle, and they throw the
stone over their head. The square where the stone rests are declared to be their
'house.' They write their names which means they own that number, and they can
hop in those boxes with both their feet. Whereas the others have to skip that box
and make long jumps to hop to the next one. Now, for this player, the game is
played from the other end, so the player starts from number 8 to number 1. The
player who captures the maximum number of houses wins.
6. Gutte
Gutte is a simple game played in many parts of our country. It is popularly played
among both children and adults. It consists of 5 pieces of small stones. It is a
leisure time play. This simple game requires you to toss and spin one stone in the
air and pick other stones from the ground before the airborne stone touches the
ground. The process is repeated until an airborne stone strikes the ground. The
process gets trickier when there is more than one stone in the air. The beauty of
the game lies in its simplicity and inexpensiveness. Moreover, any number of
people can play this game.

5
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

3.3. Importance and Benefits of Traditional Games

• Traditional Indian games are an extension of Yoga in a practical form. There are 8
sections in Yoga. Out of these 3 focus on refining the senses, strengthening the
body, and balancing your breathing. All Indian games generally encourage one or
more of these three. Playing a traditional game aims not only to develop physical
activity but more to cognitive and social abilities.
• Indian traditional games such as Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Gilli-Danda, Kanche, Stapu,
and Gutte are effective in improving preschool children's social development and
emotional intelligence. Parents need to be informed about the positive effects of
traditional games and should be encouraged to allow their children to play such
games.
• Traditional games contain values such as pleasure, a sense of freedom, a sense of
friends, a sense of democracy, a sense of responsibility, a sense of obedience, and
mutual help to stimulate interest in children to love companionship and create a
pleasant situation for children. Traditional games help the child to communicate
feelings effectively in a natural way, reduce anxiety, and improve self-control and
concentration training.
• Playing conventional games has always brought kids together encouraging
teamwork and social interaction. Most old-school games require agility and
movements such as swinging of arms and jumping. This boosts exercise and
improves eye-hand coordination.
• Playing traditional games, such as board or outdoor games helps children to think
for themselves, learn cooperation and teamwork skills, work on strategies and
tactics, and learn how to hold a conversation with adults. Games are a fun way of
getting your child to learn – without them even realizing it.
3.4. Meaning and Definition of Recreation and Physical
Education
Recreation refers to all those activities that people choose to do to refresh their bodies
and minds and make their leisure time more interesting and enjoyable. Examples of
recreational activities are walking, swimming, meditation, reading, playing games, and

6
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

dancing. Participants hope that their recreational pursuits can help them to balance
their lives and refresh themselves from their work.
Recreation has a connotation of being morally acceptable not just to the individual but
also to society as a whole. People also see recreation as a social instrument because
of its contribution to society. That is, professionals have long used recreation programs
and services to produce socially desirable outcomes, such as the wise use of free time,
physical fitness, and positive youth development.
3.5. Scope and Importance of Recreation
Recreation education is aimed at teaching people to utilize their free time/leisure time
in a constructive manner. To achieve this aim and to have value as recreation,
activities must be suited to his physical, mental, emotional, and social needs.
In the explanation given below an attempt is made to point out why and how
recreation is serving increasingly important functions in the life of individuals, the
community, and the nation:
1. Recreation as Need
A fundamental human need among all people and in all stages of history, man has
found outlets for self-expression and personal development in forms of recreation
which have a striking similarity. Recreation is a common heritage of all people,
although its expression takes varied forms. In all lands, play is the chief occupation
of a young child during his active hours. Through play, the child attains growth
and experience. It is nature’s way of affording outlets to the great biological urge
for activity and the means of acquiring skills needed in later life. In adult life, the
duties and responsibilities of earning a living, earning for family, and maintaining
a place in human society tend to relegate recreation to a place of minor significance
on the margin of life. Yet the urge for recreation is so fundamental and universal
that it cannot be suppressed.
2. Recreation contributes to human happiness
Happiness was recognized by our forefathers as a fundamental and worthy
objective for every individual. In fact, life would be incomplete and dark without
recreation. Among the needs for real living, there should be beauty, knowledge,
and ideals; books, pictures, and music; song, dance, and games; travel, adventure,
and romance, friends, championships, and the exchange of minds. Recreation

7
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

holds its place of importance in modern life because it has afforded and continues
to afford opportunities for the attainment of these basic human needs which
provide happiness.
3. Recreation and Health
Recreation is vigours and is carried in the open air, which makes use of the
fundamental muscles and is the best-known means of developing and maintaining
healthy organs. Certain forms of recreation cause increased circulation, greater
respiratory activity, better elimination of wastes, and improved digestion. It
contributes to emotional stability by affording rest, relaxation, and creative activity.
Recreation is also used increasingly in the mental rehabilitation of individuals.
People suffering from mental disorders have been found to react quickly to the
stimulus of play, music in particular.
4. Recreation and character development
Recreation has been characterized as a force of tremendous consequence for
personal character and national culture. Yet character development is not an
objective specifically sought by persons engaging in recreational activities, it can
be a natural by-product of participation in team games, drama, and music which
require cooperation, loyalty, and team play. They also can be given valuable
leadership experience. Recreation not only develops individual qualities, but it
strongly influences the growth of social attitudes which affects the individual as a
member of the group.
5. Recreation and Crime Prevention
Participation in wholesome recreation such as games in the playground helps to
build character. It acts as a safety valve for the prevention of crime and
delinquency. Because recreation activities have a strong appeal for children and
youth, delinquency is less likely to flourish in communities where opportunities for
wholesome recreation are abundant and attractive.
6. Recreation and community solidarity
Many forces in modern society tend to separate people into distinct and often
hostile groups, based on differences in their economic status, social position, race,
creed, nationality, education, or cultural background. Consequently, it grows
suspicion, distrust, and dislike of our fellowmen and a lack of neighborliness and

8
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

unity of interest. Recreation offers a common ground/common platform where

differences may be forgotten in the joy of participation or achievement. Recreation
is essentially democratic; interest and skill in sports, drama, or art are shared by
all groups and classes.
7. Recreation and Morale
In periods of insecurity, depression, and unusual strain man is more than ever in
need of activity which brings satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. In
different parts of the world, people are facing earthquakes, floods, military
invasions, and other larger-scale disasters which lead to a mental breakdown.
During such times the value of recreation as means of building and restraining
morale is highly appreciated.
8. Recreation and Democracy
Democracy and recreation are alike in spirit, and each tends to promote and
strengthen the other. Democracy is committed to giving each individual the
opportunity to grow fully, express himself freely and achieve an abundant life.
Recreation which represents activity freely chosen, offers the individual opportunity
for genuine satisfaction, creative expression, and the development of his powers,
helps him in attaining the objectives of democracy.
9. Recreation and Education
Training for the worthy use of leisure was one of the seven objectives of education.
To achieve this objective recreation provides opportunities to impart training and
activities to use leisure time intelligently in a constructive manner. The authorized
educational institutions have realized that recreational program offers an excellent
medium for carrying on the learning process and for achieving the objectives of
education.
10. Recreation and Economy
Leaders in business and industry have long realized that the way in which their
employees spend their leisure hours influences effectiveness on the job. The
investment made in developing and providing recreational facilities is an
investment in the welfare of human beings, that pays dividends in rupees as well
as intangible returns.

9
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

3.6. Principles of Recreation

According to the National Recreation Association of the United States, some principles
related to recreation are as hereunder:
• All children have the right to be part of games and activities that allow their
physical, mental, and emotional development.
• Every child and person has the right to discover the type of recreational activity
that they like and practice it whenever they want.
• The game, from childhood, must be happy and balanced to ensure stable growth.
• Activities such as rest, reflection, and contemplation should not be substituted by
others of an active nature since they are an inherent part of the human being.
• Society, through the organization of the different groups in the communities, must
guarantee the provision of spaces for the use of free time for both children and
adults.
• The activities related to recreation, in the case of adults, should not be related to
their daily responsibilities.
• All people should be encouraged to have one or more hobbies.
• The citizen must have active participation in the planning of activities for a better
quality of life for this and for the community.
• It is important to plan the time to carry out the activities.
• It is preferable not to share or supply toys to children of warlike nature.
3.7. Types of Recreation
Broadly we can classify the recreational activities in indoor and outdoor recreational
activities.
Indoor Recreational Activities
There are a large number of indoor activities, out of which some most important ones
are mentioned here:
1. Badminton: Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a
shuttlecock across a net. It is played on a court with a fixed length and breadth.
The court is built inside the hall.
2. Table Tennis: Table tennis, also known as ping-pong and whiff-whaff, is a racket
sport derived from tennis but distinguished by its playing surface being atop a
stationary table, rather than the court on which players stand.

10
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

3. Drawing: Drawing is a form of visual art in which an artist uses instruments to

mark paper or another two-dimensional surface. Drawing instruments include
graphite pencils, pens, ink, various kinds of paints, inked brushes, colored pencils,
crayons, charcoal, chalk, pastels, erasers, and markers.
4. Painting: Painting is defined as the process of applying paint, or another medium,
to a solid surface – usually a canvas. Paints or other forms of color are commonly
applied using a paintbrush. However, artists do use different tools such as sponges
or spray paint.
5. Dancing: Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music
and within a given space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion,
releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself.
6. Playing Piano: Studies show that time spent at the Piano’s keyboard improves
mental health: people who make music experience less anxiety, loneliness, and
depression. Playing the piano has also been shown to be a great source of stress
relief and provides ample opportunities to bolster self-esteem.
7. Chess: Chess is an abstract strategy game that involves no hidden information
and no use of dice or cards. It is played on a chessboard with 64 squares arranged
in an eight-by-eight grid. Chess is an acronym for Chariot(rook), Horse( knight),
Elephant(bishop), and Soldiers(pawns).
Outdoor Recreational Activities
Outdoor recreational activities are those activities that are performed outside or in the
open air. Outdoor recreation centers could be parks, Picnicking, sports fields or outside
the house within the compound. Following are some most common outdoor
recreational activities:
1. Running: Running is the action of rapidly propelling yourself forward on foot.
When running, there is a moment when both feet are off the ground (as opposed
to walking, when one foot is always on the ground), making it a high-impact
exercise.
2. Camping: Camping is an outdoor activity that involves staying the night/more
than one night in a protective shelter out in nature. Camping is a broad term but,
in its essence, camping is a way of getting away from the hassle of urban life to a
more natural environment for a limited time.

11
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

3. Fishing: Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish from natural water bodies.
Fish are often caught as wildlife from the natural environment but may also be
caught from stocked bodies of water such as ponds, canals, park wetlands and
reservoirs.
4. Swimming: Swimming is the movement of the body through water using arms
and legs. People can swim in the sea, swimming pools, rivers, and lakes. People
swim for exercise, for fun, and as a sport.
5. Skipping: Skipping is an act of jumping over a rope that is held and swung either
by the person jumping or by two other people, as a game or for exercise.
6. Mountaineering: Mountaineering, also called mountain climbing, is the sport of
attaining, or attempting to attain, high points in mountainous regions, mainly for
the pleasure of the climb.
7. Trekking: Trekking is an outdoor activity of walking for more than a day. It is a
form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying
the scenery. There is a difference between trekking and hiking. Trekking is a multi-
day walk, where you stay overnight (or several nights) at the place you've walked
to. Hiking generally refers to a one-day walk. It might be two hours or eight, but
if it takes place within a single day, it'll probably be referred to as a hike.
8. Jogging: Jogging is a form of aerobic exercise in which you maintain a running
speed under 6 mph. Regularly jogging can help you lose weight, especially if you
also modify your diet.
9. Excursion: An excursion is a trip by a group of people, in this case for educational
purposes. As a teaching format, it provides alternative learning strategies for
students, adding variety that is beneficial for both students and teachers.
10. Gardening: Gardening is the laying out, or care of a plot of ground devoted
partially or wholly to the growing of plants such as flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
3.8. Aerobic and Zumba (Fit India Movement)
Fit India was founded by Shri Suparno Satpathy in 1993. The campaign has a fitness
pledge: "I promise to myself that I will devote time for physical activity and sports
every day and I will encourage my family members and neighbors to be physically fit
and make India a fit nation."

12
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

The slogan of the Fit India Movement is Healthy people, healthy families, healthy
society.
To promote fitness as easy, fun, and free. To spread awareness on fitness and various
physical activities that promote fitness through focused campaigns. To encourage
indigenous sports. To make fitness reach every school, college/university,
panchayat/village, etc.
Aerobics
• Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise
with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all
elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardio-vascular fitness). It
can also include activities like brisk walking, swimming, running, or cycling. By
definition, aerobic exercise means “with oxygen.” Your breathing and heart rate
will increase during aerobic activities.
• Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of many conditions. These conditions include
obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome,
stroke, and certain types of cancer. Weight-bearing aerobic exercises, such as
walking, help lower the risk of osteoporosis.
Intensity levels of aerobic activity
• Light-intensity activities are common daily activities that don't require much
effort.
• Moderate-intensity activities make your heart, lungs, and muscles work harder
than light-intensity activities do.
• Vigorous-intensity activities make your heart, lungs, and muscles work hard.
Zumba
• Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout that instructors say is primarily an
aerobic workout — and it's all about having fun. Few exercise classes have had
Zumba's staying power. This dance workout — which looks and sounds more
like a dance party — remains a popular go-to for fitness-minded folks around
the world.
• Doing Zumba every day will help you burn around 500 to 800 calories and lose
weight quickly without getting exhausted. It will also strengthen your muscles,
and improve flexibility, coordination, mood, and cardiovascular health.

13
Unit 4: Traditional Games and Recreation

• It's easy to join in on Zumba even if you don't have killer salsa moves or are
trained in ballroom dancing. In fact, Zumba celebrates the ability to learn the
moves as you progress through the classes.
• If you are pregnant or have a major cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic
condition, traditional Zumba is probably not appropriate for you.
Is Zumba an Intensive Work Out?
• No, Zumba classes target people of all ages and fitness levels; therefore, it is
an interval workout. This fitness workout's overall intensity level is medium.

References
1. B. K. S. Yenger, Deepika. Light and Yoga. Irwin Ltd., London, 1981.
2. Debbie L. Stoewen, Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits and life. The
Canadian Veterinary Journal. 2017 Aug; 58(8): 861–862.
3. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/a-z/zumba-workouts
4. https://www.lifepersona.com/recreation-definition-characteristics-principles
5. https://www.journalofsports.com/pdf/2016/vol1issue2/PartC/1-2-38-552.pdf
6. https://stoplearn.com/types-of-recreational-activities/

14