CBOs appeal CM to incorporate traditional games in Odisha school curriculum
Dr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta
Rayagada, November 16: Community Based Organizations(CBOs) namely Jana Jagarana Macha from Kashipur, Odisha Shramajibi Mancha & Mahila Shramajibi Mancha have requested Chief Minister Mohan Majhi through a memorandum for incorporation of traditional games into existing systems for cultural preservation and community well-being. The memorandum states the urgent need for reviving and mainstreaming traditional games of Odisha, which are an integral part of cultural heritage and Odia Asmita. These games not only reflect the community identity but also contribute immensely to physical health, mental well-being, social bonding and intergenerational learning, they said.
Odisha has a rich tradition of indigenous games—many tied to village festivals, agricultural cycles and temple ceremonies. Games like Bagudi, Dabal Pua(Gilli Danda), Malla Khamba, Danda Nacha, Basa Puchi, Thia Puchi, Kho-Kho, Laudi khela, Ghoda Nacha, Langdi (One-legged race), Pasha, Paika Akhada (Martial performance), Tug of War, Raja doli, Kacha Kaudi/Kaudi Khela, Rumal Chori, Bohu Chori, Antakshari, Kiti-kiti, Rangoli, Chita, etc are almost getting lost in the oblivion.
“In the present context, traditional games are gradually disappearing due to children staying in hostels away from families and elders who used to teach these games, closure of village schools in many areas, reducing space and opportunities for play, lack of recognition and structured promotion within community and education systems & increased engagement of women and children in household chores, studies, and digital media, leaving little time for such activities”, the appeal mentioned. If this trend continues, risk of losing a vital part of Odishan intangible cultural heritage is not far away.
In this regard, the members of CBOs have requested the CM to kindly consider the following measures namely including traditional games as part of school/hostel co-curricular activities under Sports & Youth Services Department, organizing village/block-level traditional game competitions during festivals, Gram Sabha meetings and Panchayat events, encouraging Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Mission Shakti platforms to promote traditional games for women’s recreation and mental well-being, showcasing Odisha’s traditional games during state festivals, tourism fairs and cultural exhibitions by involving Tourism Deptt, documenting and recognizing traditional games under the State Sports Policy, ensuring budgetary provision for their promotion.
This small but meaningful step will help revive community spirit, intergenerational learning and mental wellness, especially among rural women and children. It will also add to Odisha’s rich cultural identity and create potential opportunities in events, cultural tourism and skill development, the members emphasized.
They hoped that CM’s office will consider their request and issue necessary directions to concerned departments for incorporating traditional games into the existing system, so that this heritage & ODIA ASMITA are preserved and carried forward for future generations.
