Vigopitayashty Anveshana

Materials Needed

Tambulam items: Traditional betel leaves and nuts (or any small items like coins or small toys can be used).

Blindfolds: One blindfold for each player or one blindfold for the person searching.

A large, open area: The game is best played in a clear space where players can move around.

How to Play “Finding the Tambulam Blindfolded”:

1. Setup

Place the tambulam items (betel leaves, nuts, or alternatives) scattered randomly around a designated playing area.

If using multiple items, spread them out in a circle or random pattern.

Blindfold one player at a time. The player who is blindfolded must find the tambulam items within the given space.

Rules of the Game

The game begins with one player being blindfolded.

The other players may chant “Kichu Kichu Tambulam” or make sounds to distract or guide the blindfolded player, depending on how you prefer to play.

The blindfolded player has to locate and collect tambulam items based on their sense of touch, sound, or memory of where the items were placed.

They can only use their hands to feel around for the tambulam items.

Other players may offer verbal clues, but they cannot physically assist the blindfolded player.

Objective

The objective is for the blindfolded player to locate as many tambulam items as possible within a set time limit (typically 5 minutes).

Players may also compete to find the correct items in the fastest time or with the fewest mistakes (e.g., picking up non-tambulam items).

Winning

The player who collects the most tambulam items correctly, or finds all items within the shortest time, wins the game.

Alternatively, the player who can find the correct tambulam item (such as a specific one like a betel leaf or a coin) while blindfolded first can also be declared the winner.

Skills Required

Memory: Remembering where the tambulam items are located can help the blindfolded player.

Touch Sensitivity: Since the player is blindfolded, they must rely heavily on their sense of touch to differentiate between the tambulam items and other objects.

Coordination: Being able to navigate the area efficiently while being blindfolded requires good spatial awareness and body coordination.

Teamwork: If other players are involved in giving clues, effective communication is key.

Cultural Significance

This version of the game adds a playful element of surprise and skill, making it a fun and often hilarious activity at social gatherings and festivals. The challenge of finding the tambulam items blindfolded adds excitement, and it’s typically enjoyed by all age groups.