An integral part of Indian culture, Antakshari has been our main source of entertainment for generations and still it is played on many events or during the college or companies trip . The game is not only fun but also strengthens our language, music and social bonds. Be it a long trip with family, a gathering of friends, or the festive season—Antakshari brings cheer to every place.
But do you know how to make Antakshari even more exciting? We will tell you the basic rules of Antakshari, interesting variations, and effective ways to win. So if you are first time playing the game of Antakshari with friends, it would be best to know more about it in detail below.
What is Antakshari?
Antakshari is a word-music based game in which players have to sing a song based on the given letter. The game is played between two or more teams and requires creativity, quick thinking and musical knowledge. A letter will be given, it could be Hindi letter or English letter. Based on the letter the team has to sing a song.
Example: Suppose the letter is “M” or “Am”. In Hindi it is “म”. So now the team has to sing a song that starts with letter “M” or “म”. The song can be…
Maine Pyar Tumhi Se Kiya Hai
Maine Dil Bhi Tumhi Ko Diya Hai
Ab Chaahe Jo Ho Jaaye
Main Duniya Se Ab Na Daru….
Tujhi Se Main Pyaar Karu…
As the song ended with letter u, now the second team has to sing a song that starts with letter “U” or “ऊ “. The song can be anything, 1 I’m sharing below:
ऊँचा है भवन ऊँचा मंदिर
ऊँची है शान मैया तेरी
चरणों में झुके बादल भी तेरे
पर्वत पे लागे शैया तेरी
हे कालरात्रि हे कल्याणी
तेरा जोड़ धरा पर कोई नहीं
मेरी माँ के बराबर कोई नहीं
मेरी माँ के बराबर कोई नहीं
Now it has ended with letter “H” or “ह”. The other team has to sing a song that starts from letter “H”… if they fail to do so… they will lose the game.
History of Antakshari
Antakshari originates from the Sanskrit word “Antyakshari”, which means “based on the last letter”. This game has been a part of Indian tradition since ancient times and is still popular in TV shows, radio programs and social gatherings. Mostly this game is played on long trip with family members, or friends.
In marriage functions, this is a common game that is played among boys and girls on Ladies Sangeet or DJ night. It is a fun loving game, that entertains a lot!
Basic Rules to Play Antakshari
Like any other game, the game of Antakshari has some basic rules. There are some simple rules to follow to play Antakshari and these rules are:
Team Formation – Divide the players into two or more teams. Each team should have at least 2-3 members. It can be all girls on one side and all boys at one side or you can form a balance team.
Start the first song – One team starts by singing any Bollywood or popular song (can be Punjabi song). The song can be old, new, or can be a Bhajan or any title track of movie or TV program.
Next Song from Last Letter – The next team has to start the new song from the last letter of the previous song. For example, if the first song is “Tum Pyaar Ho”, then the next song should start with “Ho”, like “Ho Gayi Hai Mujhko Pyaar Tumse”.
Time Limit – Each team has 10-30 seconds to think of a song. If the team is unable to sing the song in time, they lose the point.
Point System – For every correct song, the team gets 1 point. The team that scores the most points wins the game.
Fun Variations of Antakshari
If you want to make Antakshari even more interesting, try these variations:
1. Theme-based Antakshari
In this version, the songs are sung on a particular theme like love, patriotism, mother, or film songs. For example, only 90s songs or only A.R. Rahman songs.
2. Solo version
In this, each player plays for himself and challenges the opponent directly. This version is better for small groups.
3. Reverse Antakshari
In this, the next song has to start from the first letter of the song. For example, if the first song is “Chaiya Chaiya”, the next song will start with “Ch”, like “Chhamma Chhamma”.
4. Bollywood vs Hollywood vs Punjabi
Teams can compete in Antakshari of Bollywood and Hollywood or Punjabi songs. This version of Antakshari is extremely challenging for music lovers!
Effective ways to win Antakshari
If you want to always win Antakshari, then adopt these strategies:
1. Have detailed knowledge of songs
The more songs you remember, the easier it will be to find the next song. Learn both old and new Bollywood songs. You can even increase the knowledge of songs by listing other languages songs. It can be Punjabi songs, Bhojpuri songs, or English songs.
2. Practice thinking fast
Speed matters in Antakshari. Increase your thinking speed by playing mind games and quizzes.
3. Use teamwork
If you are playing in a team, then suggest songs with your teammates. You will get new ideas from each other’s thoughts. And guys also make the list of songs in advance, this helps a lot!
4. Remember the tricks of letters
Songs starting with some letters like “Y”, “V”, “H” are easy to find, while letters like “Ri”, “Ksha”, “Tr” are difficult. Prepare for such letters in advance.
5. Bluffing (not cheating, creativity!)
If you can’t think of the right song, make up a new song in a funny way. Sometimes it makes the team laugh and buys you time and you can win points
Conclusion
Antakshari is not just a game but a heritage of Indian culture that binds us together. Playing this game regularly not only provides entertainment but also improves memory and musical knowledge. Next time you play antakshari with friends or family, do try these tips and variations.
