ISLAMABAD, Feb 13: Lok Virsa in collaboration with Norwegian Directorate of Cultural Heritage has published a book on ‘Children’s Folk Games of Pakistan & Norway’.

The 100-page book contains 24 folk games along with descriptions, number of players, preparations, steps and rules required for each game. It also comprises of sketches and photographic representations to facilitate the readers.

Pakistani folk games include Langri Pala (one-legged tiger), Kho Kho (go go), Pitho Garam (hot potato), Kokla Chhapaki (hide the whip), Geetay (pick up pebbles), Chhupan Chhupai (hide n’ seek), Keekli (joy dance), Gulli Danda (spindle n’ stick), Bantay (marbles), Oonch Neech (high low), Kona Kona (corner corner), Baraf Pani (ice water), Laal Pari (red fairy), Per Patoonay (blind man’s buff), Gamoona (long jump), Dast Janokai (tab n’ run), Gitth Gitth Tappan (obstacles race), Nani Re Nani (granny o granny), Laatoo (top), Las Pa Sar (musical chairs), Stapu, Choori Gwazi (bangles game), Cheech Makro (guessing game) and Topay (snatch the cap).

Norwegian games given in the book are Kick the Tin (hide n’ seek), Bro Bro Brille, Paradise (hop scotch), Klinkekuler (marbles), Hoppe Strikk (French skipping) and Hoppe Tau (skipping).

The introductory part gives the readers an idea that it is primarily a book written for children. However, it can also create interest in grownups, as all people cherish memories of childhood.

A bare reading of the book shows that games played by Norwegian and Pakistani children are nearly the same. The games may have changed their names in case of Norwegian children who play them out on paved streets, or playing fields, yet methods of playing and their different stages remain unchanged.

Lok Virsa’s Executive Director Khalid Javaid said: “The book is for all ages because we have to remember that people of the world were once happy children and as we grow old we have a duty to return the same spirit of enjoyment and harmony to our children.” — A Reporter