It is hard to describe the thrill when the cheap tennis-ball hits the lovingly built but teetering tower of randomly collected stones or the “tenshunnnnn” after the precarious tower has been felled and you are left stranded while your other team-mates have splintered away like a grenade.
What am I talking about?
Pithooooo!!
For those born in the 70s and 80s, this was one of the most popular neighborhood/boring vacation evenings/bunking tuition evenings games.
For those who are not familiar with the game: it involves two teams, one team arranges that precarious tower of road-side pebbles and the other team has to bring it down with a tennis-ball, after which pandemonium ensues. The “arranger team” has to disperse and run as fast as possible and the other team has to hit the opposite team with the ball. Thrilling!!
I assure you there are very few things more fun on a summer vacation when you are 12 than running blindedly from a blood-thirsty opponent armed with a very toxic-green and bouncy tennis ball. And boy does it hurt on impact.
Speaking of games, the other day I got thinking of all the other games we used to play. Here is a short list.
Oonch neech ka Paapdaa: Retarded game of two teams on territorial grounds. One team chooses higher or lower ground and teases the other team members by setting foot on its level. Presuming it is a child’s take on territory battles.
Dark room: A favorite in birthday parties. I still think it is a sneaky boys’ game as they try to grab girls in unlit corners.
Kho-kho: Needs no description.
Pakdan-Pakdayee: One person goes to “Den” and has to run after pesky friends trying to get them “out”.
Chhupan Chhupayee: My favorite game.
Any more?
Pity now I hardly see any of these games being played in the kolony neighborhoods but then again, maybe I am running in the wrong circles.