Traditional Indian playground games — clear rules, diagrams & tips
Desi Khel Rulebook explains desi khel like gilli-danda, lagori (pittu), kho-kho, kabaddi, stapoo and kancha the way they are actually played in Indian galis, school grounds and housing societies. Every game page has a ground diagram, step-by-step rules, scoring, fouls, regional names, safety tips and FAQs.
गली के खेल, स्कूल के खेल, घर के खेल — सब एक जगह, आसान भाषा में।
What is this site about?
Real playground rules
Not federation rulebooks — the practical, kid-friendly versions used in colonies and schools, with notes where official sports differ.
Diagrams you understand on sight
Original SVG drawings of courts, equipment, player positions and scoring for every single game.
For parents, teachers & RWAs
Each page includes a school / society how-to section, so a PE teacher or sports-day volunteer can run the game tomorrow.
Featured games — लोकप्रिय खेल
Gilli-Danda Rules (गिल्ली डंडा) – How to Play, Scoring & Diagram
India's original bat-and-ball game: flick the gilli, strike it far, and count your score in danda-lengths.
Lagori / Pittu / Satoliya Rules – Seven Stones Game of India
Knock down the stack of seven stones, then rebuild it before the other team tags you out with the ball.
Kancha (Marbles) Rules – Indian Marble Games Explained
Flick the shooter, knock marbles out of the ring and learn the famous Indian "gucchi" pit version.
Chaupar & Pachisi Rules – India's Royal Board Game
The cross-shaped royal game played with cowrie shells or long dice — the ancestor of Ludo.
Kho-Kho Playground Rules – Simple Guide for Kids & Schools
Sit, chase, shout "Kho!" — the fast relay-chase game every Indian school knows, explained for the playground.
Kabaddi Backyard Rules – Safe Playground Kabaddi for Kids
One breath, one raid: chant "kabaddi-kabaddi," touch a defender and race back — a safe backyard version for kids.
Stapoo (Hopscotch India) Rules – Kith-Kith, Ekkat-Dukkat & More
Toss the gitti, hop the boxes, win a "ghar" — India's favourite chalk game for courtyards and school corridors.
Gully Cricket Rules for Kids – Street Cricket Basics in India
One tip one hand, no LBW, last man batting — the unwritten rules of Indian gully cricket, written down.
From the blog
How to Organise a Colony Sports Day with Traditional Indian Games
A practical, budget-friendly plan for RWAs and parents: games by age, schedule, volunteers and safety.
Best Indoor Indian Games for Rainy Days (Monsoon Fun Without Screens)
Monsoon boredom fixes from Indian homes: board games, small-space games and party games by age.
Teaching Traditional Indian Games in School PE: A Practical Guide for Teachers
Curriculum links, lesson structure, safety, assessment and inclusion — for PE teachers who want desi khel.