Kokla Chappaki / Rumal chor

Introduction

Kokla Chapakki is a traditional outdoor game popular in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India. It’s a fun group game often played by children. Here’s how to play it

What You Need:

Players: At least 5-6 players, but more players make it more exciting.

Space: An open area where players can sit in a circle.

Object: A small cloth, handkerchief, or similar object to act as the “kokla” (the chasing item).

Objective

The player holding the “kokla” must secretly place it behind another player sitting in the circle. That player then has to chase and catch the person before they take their seat.

  1. Setup:

Players sit in a circle facing inward, leaving a little space between them.

One player starts as the “runner” and holds the kokla (e.g., a handkerchief).

  1. Starting the Game:

The “runner” walks around the outside of the circle while everyone sings the traditional rhyme:

As the song continues, the runner moves around, pretending to place the kokla behind one of the seated players.

  1. Placing the Kokla:

The runner discreetly drops the kokla behind one player.

The chosen player must notice it as quickly as possible and grab the kokla.

  1. Chasing:

Once the kokla is behind them, the seated player picks it up and chases the runner around the circle.

The runner tries to run around and take the chaser’s seat before being caught.

  1. Outcomes:

If the runner successfully takes the seat, the chaser becomes the new runner.

If the runner is caught, they must perform a “penalty” or task decided by the group (e.g., sing a song or do a funny dance).

  1. Continuing the Game:

The new runner takes the kokla, and the game starts again.

The game doesn’t have a specific winner or end. It’s more about fun, laughter, and participation!

Strategy

Deception: The runner should pretend to drop the kokla behind multiple players to confuse them.

Alertness: Seated players need to stay vigilant to spot when the kokla is behind them.

Players sings different rhymes in different region of India, in Gujarat the rhyme is… .

Rumaal no dhoko dham dham thay,  Aaju baju juve eni thumpadi rangaay!