Gandhi Museum brings traditional games to life

Madurai: To preserve and promote traditional games, the government museums department has organized a week-long sports competition at the Gandhi Museum complex from April 26 to May 2. The event features popular games like Pallankuzhi, Thayam, Thattangal, Kittipul, Goli Gundu, Pambaram Sutruthal, and Nondi.

On the opening day, over a hundred participants of all ages gathered with their families to enthusiastically play Pallankuzhi. "These games not only develop children's mathematical skills and memory but also offer an enriching break from screen time," said C Rohini, a homemaker from Azhagarkoil, who participated for the second year in a row.

Jothi Ramalingam, a researcher and author of Mella Vandhu Killi Po, stressed the need for efforts to revive and make traditional games accessible to everyone. "These games, part of our culture for over two thousand years, are disappearing rapidly," said Maruthu Pandian, Curator of the Government Museum. "Through this competition, we aim to reintroduce them to younger generations," he said.

The event is open to all ages, with plans to expand to other cultural contests like a nungu vandi (ice apple cart) and ammi grinding contest. Organizers hope this initiative sparks a renewed interest in traditional games among Madurai's residents.