Chungi (Nepali: चुङ्गि) is a traditional game played by children in Nepal and northeastern India.[1][2] The setup of the game is similar to hacky sack.[3] It is played with a ball made by tying a group of rubber bands in the middle.[4]
Gameplay
editThe rules of the game vary by region. The traditional way to play chungi is by counting the number of times the ball can be hit using feet without dropping to the ground. The use of both feet is allowed, but using any other body part is not. Generally, a target count is decided for the game finish. At the end of the count, a back kick is done to the ball to hit it as far as possible. The ball should be far enough from the previously decided distance, this being measured by the feet of the player. If the player cannot hit the ball, another player gets a chance to continue.[4]
Another type of game that can be played is passing the ball to other players by foot, without letting it drop to the ground.[4]
Impact
editChungi is considered one of the reasons for the decrease in popularity of Dandi Biyo, another traditional Nepalese game. [5]
The game has also been used to teach children mathematics and other concepts in school.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ Barnouw, Victor (1956). "Some Eastern Nepalese Customs: The Early Years". Southwestern Journal of Anthropology. 12 (3): 257–271. doi:10.1086/soutjanth.12.3.3629084. ISSN 0038-4801. JSTOR 3629084. S2CID 75371463. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ Hamal, Nikki (25 February 2018). "More than just child's play". The Himalayan Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ "The games we played". My Republica. The Week Bureau. 5 April 2019. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ a b c Basnyat, Aarti (July 2010). "Nepali Street Games". ECS NEPAL. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ Basnyat, Aarti (March 2005). "Sticks and stones". Nepali Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ Situation Analysis of SOP and FSP in Dhading and Siraha Districts (PDF). JICA/CASP Office. February 2005. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 March 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ Pradhan, Jaya (21 September 2018). Cultural Games as a Pedagogical Tool: A Nepalese Experience of Teaching and Learning of School Mathematics. Vol. 60. pp. 198–204.