Gilli Danda is a simple game but like other sports this also has certain rules which makes this ancient game more interesting and entertaining. So before playing this game you should know about some rules. Once you know better about the rules, you can score better and perform better in overall Gilli Danda game.
The game is played with 2 wooden pieces – a small one (called Gilli) and a big one (called Danda). To play this game, you need a ground like an open space, home backyard, park, or a vacant area and the main objective of the game is to hit the gilli with the danda and throw it away. This way you can score as many points as possible and win the game.
The game is be played between 2 players or the 2 teams are required. Furthermore, some more rules you need to know so you can decide Who will play the game first? How it will be played? How the scoring method works? How striker gets out etc. Learn about the Gilli Danda game rules below:
1. Number of Players
- Each team can have 2 to 5 players.
- The number of players should be the same in both the teams.
2. Playing Field
- A flat open ground is required for the game having size around 30 x 20 meters.
- A round circle is made for the striker, which is called “Gilli ka Ghar”.
3. Gilli and Danda
- Gilli is about 10-15 cm long and 3-5 cm thick.
- Danda is about 60-75 cm long and 5-7 cm thick.
- Both are made of wood and both ends are pointed.
4. Start of the game
- It is decided by toss which team will strike first. For this you can use coin or Gilli!
- A striker or team gets 3 chance to hit gilli.
- The striker places the Gilli in the Gilli’s house and try to strike the Gilli out.
5. Batting rules
- The batsman has to toss the Gilli in the air and then hit it with the stick (called danda).
- If the Gilli does not bounce in the air or the batsman is unable to hit it, he is out (or 1 chance is gone out of 3).
- After hitting the Gilli, the batsman has to draw a line on the ground with the stick. The length of this line is counted as points.
6. Fielding rules
- If you are familiar with Cricket, you know how field is set.
- Setup the fielders to catch the Gilli in the air only.
- If the fielder catches the gilli in the air, the batsman is out.
- The fielders throw the gilli back towards the gilli house or strike danda then it is out.
7. Points calculation
- The length of the line drawn by the batsman is measured by a stick.
- Length of one stick = 1 point
- If the gilli falls away from the gilli house, the batsman gets extra points.
8. Ways of getting out
- Not being able to toss the gilli in the air
- Failing to hit the gilli
- Fielder catches the gilli in the air
- Fielder throws the gilli back to the gilli house
9. End of the innings
- When all the batsmen are out, the innings ends.
- The second team now bats and the first team fields.
10. Determination of the winner
- The team which scores more points is declared the winner.
Conclusion
Gilli Danda is not only a new or recreational game, it is an epic game which is an important part of Indian culture and tradition for a long time. It is an inexpensive game, has simple rules like a cricket game and can be played anytime in ground with 2 piece of sticks.
You can find its existence in many rural areas of India, this game not only promotes physical health but also strengthens social relationships.
In today’s digital age, where people are quite busy in playing games on mobile, laptop or TV, it is important to preserve and promote traditional games like Gilli Danda, so that our future generations also remain connected to this rich heritage and keep these games alive for long.