Origin

Traditional games of Mizoram reflect the vibrant culture and joyful spirit of the community. A Che Che Sih Hawk Ah is one such children’s game, mostly played in villages and towns during leisure hours. It is an indigenous variation of the ‘statue game’ known in different parts of India by different names. The game is not only recreational but also teaches discipline, alertness, and patience.

In Arunachal Pradesh, a similar game is called ‘Around the London’. Across India, regional variations of the statue game exist, with rhymes, rules, and styles changing based on local culture.

The Setup Equipment None required.

This game is accessible to all since it requires no equipment or specific playground markings.

Players

There is no fixed number of players. It can be played by the number of available interested players. Generally played by 6–15 children- the more, the merrier, but it takes longer to get the turn to play Caller.

Age group: 6 years and above.

The Playground

An open ground, courtyard, or school playground.

Distance between the single player (caller) and the group of players: about 50–70 feet.

The Play

1.One child is chosen as the ‘caller.’ The caller stands back facing the group, while the other children line up at a distance of 50–70 feet.

2.The caller loudly says ‘A Che Che Sih Hlawk Ah’ (in Mizoram) or ‘Around the London’ (in Arunachal Pradesh) or in Gujarati… દોડો દોડો, ડુંગર ઉપર આગ લાગી…જે ભાગે તેનો જીર્ બચે. (“Run, run! There’s a fire on the hill… whoever runs will save their life” …

3.All players run while the caller is singing, and when the caller quickly turns around to face the group.

4.The caller says loudly “STATUE” facing the group, all players

must freeze like statues.

1.Everyone must stop instantly.

2.They must freeze exactly in the position they were in.

3.They cannot blink, move, smile, or talk.

4.They are statues now.

5.The caller tries to make them laugh

This is the fun part. The caller has to make the statues laugh, smile, move, or blink. So the caller

1.Makes funny faces

2.Tells jokes

3.Imitates animals

4.Dances silly

5.Pretends to fall

6.Uses soft touch (not allowed in some versions) — like feather on nose

7.Acts dramatically or foolishly

5.Anyone who moves or laughs is out.

6.The last player still like a statue is declared the winner; the player who remains serious and still the longest wins.

7.If no player has moved from the position of being stute, the caller turns back again, the children advance forward quickly. The first player to be out, becomes the new caller. The game continues with alternating turns of the caller facing and turning away.