Traditional Games and Activities to Enjoy This Dashain

Dashain, Nepal’s biggest and most-awaited festival, is a time for family reunions, feasting, and celebrating cultural traditions. Alongside religious ceremonies and delicious meals, traditional games and activities hold a special place in making the festival even more enjoyable. These games, often passed down through generations, bring families and friends together, fostering a spirit of joy and togetherness.

One of the most popular games during Dashain is flying kites. Known as Changā Chait, kite-flying is an exciting activity that symbolizes freedom and joy. As the skies fill with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, children and adults alike engage in friendly competitions to cut each other’s strings using skilled maneuvers. The laughter and shouts of victory add vibrancy to the festive air. Kite-flying is a key part of Dashain, bringing people outside to enjoy nature and celebrate the change in season.

Another favorite Dashain game is swinging on the traditional bamboo swing, called Ping. These swings are erected in fields, courtyards, or open spaces using four tall bamboo poles, often tied together with ropes made of natural fibers. The swings are symbolic of lifting away all worries and stresses, allowing people to celebrate the joy of the festival. Children and adults alike take turns on the swing, with excitement and laughter filling the air. The experience of swinging high up into the sky is a cherished memory for many during Dashain.

Card games are also an integral part of Dashain. Marriage is one of the most popular card games played among family members during the holiday. Played with multiple decks of cards, this game involves strategy, patience, and a bit of luck, making it the perfect way to spend time with loved ones. Other card games like Jhyap and Flash also bring friendly competition into the mix, with players vying to win and bring cheer to the gatherings.

In rural areas, traditional sports like Dandi Biyo and Chungi are often revived during Dashain. These games are a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and offer a fun, physical activity for all generations to enjoy together.

Dashain is not just about rituals and food; it’s also about play, laughter, and bonding. Traditional games bring families closer, allowing everyone to relax, have fun, and create beautiful memories during the festive season.

Picture Credit- Nepal Database, Wikipedia,

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