Gilli Danda is one of famous ancient Indian game that played by teens and adults in different zone of India or outside the India. This game is a form of bat and ball where bat is in the form of stick called Danda and ball is in form of small stick called Gilli. As the game equipment are inexpensive, it can be played by anyone anywhere in an open space like park, ground and quite popular in village or town areas.
This game is known for its simplicity and thrill, in which two wooden pieces are used one is large in size having size of 2 feet and second is small in size (oval shape) having size around 3-4 inch. Let’s know about this popular game in detail and don’t forget to share.
Many scholars believe that the Gilli Danda game is at least 2500 years old. This game has been extremely popular among children and youth in rural India. This game was not only a means of entertainment, but it also developed many important skills in the players.
Gilli Danda Sticks
Two main equipment are required to play Gilli Danda:
- Danda (long stick): It is basically a long wooden stick having length around 2 feet and a diameter of about 1 inch. One end of the danda is slightly tapered so that the gilli can be hit easily.
- Gilli (Short stick): It is a small wooden stick, about 3-4 inches long and about 1 inch in diameter. The shape of Gilli is oval type from both sides which helps it fly in the air.
This equipment are usually made from locally available wood, such as bamboo or acacia. In some regions, players carve and decorate their dandas and gilli in a special way, reflecting their individual style. Based on special occasions, people paint the sticks with differt colors.
Rules of the Game
The rules of Gilli Danda may vary from region to region, but the basic rules to play this game are as follows:
- Team Formation: This game needs minimum 2 players or Two teams of 4 to 5 members each is enough. You can add more players but make sure the numbers in both teams are equal.
- Field Setting: To play this game, a circular circle is drawn called the “Gilli Ka Ghar” and Inside the circle a small pit is created in center so Gilli can be placed easily.
- Start of the Game: A member of the batting team places the gilli in the pit and tosses it in the air with a stick.
- Hitting the Gilli: When the gilli is in the air, the striker has to hit it hard with the stick. He has 3 chances to do this, else considered out.
- Scoring Runs: After hitting the gilli, the striker runs between the gilli’s house and a specified distance. Each run is worth one point. In some regions, distance is count from circle border to where gilli landed with danda like 1 2 3 .. and so on, while in some regions ground area is marked with 2, 3, and 4 points.
- Getting Out: If the fielding team catches the gilli in the air, or puts the gilli back in the pit or hits the danda, the striker is considered as out. In some areas, striker place the Danda on the circular border and here if opponent team member hits the danda with gilli then he will be given out.
- Change of innings: When all the strikers are out or the chances lost, the teams switch roles.
- Winner: The team scoring more runs is declared the winner.
Game strategies
Some important strategies in Gilly Danda are as follows:
- Hitting the gilli at the right angle: This will make the gilli go farther and give a chance to score more runs.
- Fielding positions: Fielders are strategically positioned so that the gilli can be caught quickly.
- Tossing the gilli: Skilled players toss the gilli in such a way that it cannot be caught easily.
- Teamwork: Good communication and cooperation is important for both teams.
Types of Gilli Danda
There are several types of Gilly Danda played in different parts of India:
- Long gilli: In this, a long gilli is used, which makes the game more challenging.
- Choti Gilli: A version played using smaller Gillis, suitable for children.
- Gilli Danda Cricket: It is a mix of Gilli Danda and cricket, with the addition of rules of wickets and running.
Gilli Danda in Modern Times
Although Gilli Danda is not as popular now as it was earlier, it is still played in many parts of India. Some organizations are trying to revive the sport:
- Tournaments: Gilli Danda tournaments are held in many places.
- School inclusion: Some schools have included it in their sports curriculum.
- Digital games: Mobile game versions of Gilli Danda are also available, introducing the new generation to the sport.
Conclusion
Gilli Danda is one of the best and an inexpensive game that can be played anywhere in the backyard, park or open space. You can make Gilli danda equipment from scratch very easily. Just chop the one branch of tree, now chop the stick in 2 parts one having length 2 feet and 2nd one length around 3-4 inch.
If you are good in wood work you can give a decent shape to Gilli (gilli is tapered at both ends, forming a roughly cylindrical shape with pointed ends)
This game not only provides entertainment but also develops many important skills in players. In today’s digital age, this sport keeps us connected to our roots and simple lifestyle. Efforts to revive the popularity of Gilli Danda will not only preserve our cultural heritage but also inspire the younger generation towards a healthy and active lifestyle.