Lagori: Lagori/Pithoo is a high energy outdoor team game that is widely played in most parts of the country by both rural and urban children.
This game is more common with young boys aged 5 and above. Other commonly known names for this game are Lagori, Sitoliya, Saat Patha, Lingocha, Ezhu Kallu, Dabba Kal, Seven Stones etc.
History of Lagori Game
“LAGORI” is an Indian traditional game played in all the states of India with different names according to tradition. It is a Traditional game of Asian countries too. Lagori game is an traditional game which was playing since 5000 years. This game is playing National wide as a traditional game. “Lord Shree Krishna” is also used to play this game with his friends.
The name of this game “Lagori” is found in the story of, Lord. Shree Krishna‖ (Shree Krishna Mahatmya) in the chapter no. 272 to 317. It is also found in, Shrikrishna charitra‖ on page no. 659, It was also played by Pandawa during the period of, Mahabarata. Lagori game is also mention in many Abhanga (Epics). The concept of Lagori game is also found in the epics of Priest (Sant) Eknath from India. This game is also introduced in the Indian history of, ― Pandawa‖ and, King Peshwa. This game was recognized by king Peshwa.
Lagori is also traditional game of, Armenia‖ a west Asian Country they issued Children‘s Philately Stamps (postal Tickets) dedicated to Lagori (Seven stone) game in their country. It is very Ancient and traditional Indian game. It is known by different Name in all over the world such as – 1) India- Lagori, 2) Canada – Teelo 3) Pakistan – Pitho / Pittu / Pithoo Garam,4) Bhutan – Seven stone, 5) Uganda – Seven Stone, 6) Nepal – Seven Tilo, 7) Turkey- Seven Tiles 8) Bangladesh – Sat Chara, 9) Afghanistan – Santracon,10) Shrilanka – Lagori, 11) Soudi Arabia & Iran – Haft Sang, But now this game is known as, “Lagori”, all over the world.
Lagori game is playing in all the above countries. All the above countries are working under, “International Lagori Federation”, In all these countries this game is going to be popular with the Name of, “Lagori”, This game is known by different name in India as under:-
1) Maharashtra-Lagori 2) Hyderabad – Lingocha 3) Tamil Nadu – Lingorchya, Naagolchuu 4) Rajasthan- Sitoliya 5) Karnataka – Lagoori, 6) Kerala- Dabba Kali, Tung , Chatti 9) Tamil Nadu – Ezhu Kallu, 7) Haryana & Punjab – Pitthu 8) Rajasthan- Sitoliya, 10) Andhra Pradesh-Yedu Penkulata, 11) Gujarath- Satodiyu & Dikori, 12) Assam – Saatguti
Lagori Equipments
Lagori equipment includes,
Ball: One ball, soft enough not to cause any injury upon impact, is needed. A common rubber ball is adequate. Tennis balls are not recommended but are often used. Cricket or hockey balls are too hard to use.
Lagori: Seven discs of different sizes are required, so they can be stacked in decreasing order of size. Flat earth tiles used for roofing are readily available and commonly used. Floor tiles are suitable as well. Most of the discs used for informal games do not have any specific form or size—they are just broken pieces that can stand as a stack.
How to Play
- The game is played between two teams – the seeker and the hitter, with at least 3 players in each team.
- It is played with a set of 7 to 11 flat and light stones and a softball.
- The flat stones of varied sizes are stacked up on each other in ascending order with smallest on top, in the center of a small circle.
- The two teams stand on either side of the diagonal of the circle at least a meter away from the circle.
- Members of Seeker team get three chances each to dislodge the stone pile using the ball. If one fails, next member comes in and gets his chance.
- When all the members of Seeker team fail to hit the stones, the ball is given to the opposite team.
- The fun starts when someone from the Seeker team scatters the stones by hitting with the ball.
- At this point, aim of Seeker team is to restack the stone-pile back pile before the Hitter team hits any of the Seeker team members with the ball.
- If a player is hit before the pile is complete, the entire team is out and the teams reverse roles.
- This continues for a specified length of time. The team which has restored more piles wins.
Benefits of Lagori Game
1. It enhances team coordination :-
This game helps the player to co-ordinate and co-operate with each other. In this game each player need to pass the ball to other player, if there is no team co-ordination then the team may lose the game. That‘s why, it is necessary to have team co-ordination so as to win the game. In this way all the players learn the significance of team co-ordination.
2. It increases concentration :-
While playing this game, players need to concentrate properly during each & every hit, pass & out.
3. It sharpens out eye sight :-
While playing this game, players need to concentrate on each and every more of other team. Hence, eve sight is sharpened.
4. It increases our stamina level :-
In this game, players need to run continuously to avoid getting out. Hence running increases player‘s stamina level.
5. It teaches players about team work :-
As this game is played between two teams, each player learns about team work. Team work creates friendliness among all the players.
6. It enhances motor fitness, alertness & activeness :-
In this game, after breaking the Lagori, all the players need to be quick & alert. One team needs to pass the ball quickly & the other team needs to rearrange the Lagori quickly. This enhances motor fitness in the players.
7. Playing Lagori Game regularly makes the players fit and healthy :-
In this game, both teams should be quick & alert. This game increases the gaming skills in the players. Players become alert during each & every hit, move, pass and stop the other team from rearranging the Lagori.
8. This game can be played by anyone from 3 years to 60 years :-
This game has no age barrier. Person of any age can play this game. This game if played regularly strengthens the person, enhances blood circulation in the body, increases immunity power & eventually makes the players healthy. This game can be played by kids as well as aged people for fun & enjoyment. This game provides player with happiness & fun.
9. This game can be played anywhere:-
This game can be played anywhere, indoor or outdoor, on beach & meadows, during all seasons. We can play this game even by using stones & paper ball.
Conclusion
This game develops aiming skills and strategy building skills in children. It hones the team building spirit in the players. Children also learn to compete in a healthy environment while learning important values of friendship and leadership. This game also provides a platform for social interaction among children.
Read Also: Gilli Danda, School Games for Kids, 20 Outdoor School Games for Kids, School Games for Kids, Kho Kho Game, Kabaddi Game, Top 10 Sports for Kids, Famous Traditional Games for Kids.