Origin

Traditional games of Mizoram reflect community life, playfulness, and social learning. A Che Che Sih Hlawk Ah is one such indigenous children’s game, usually played during leisure time in villages, schools, and open spaces.

It resembles the statue game found in many parts of India, although the rhyme, local name, and style vary by region. Similar versions are also mentioned in Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

About the Game

This is a simple group game of movement and sudden stillness. One child becomes the caller, the others move forward while the rhyme is spoken, and everyone must freeze the moment the caller turns and says “Statue”.

The game is enjoyable because it combines speed, alertness, discipline, patience, and humour.

The Setup

The Play

1. One child is chosen as the caller.
2. The caller stands with their back to the other players, who line up at a distance.
3. The caller chants the local rhyme while the other players move forward quickly.
4. At any moment, the caller suddenly turns around and says “Statue”.
5. All players must freeze immediately in the exact position they are in.
6. No one should move, laugh, talk, or deliberately blink or fidget.
7. The caller watches the players and tries to make them laugh or lose balance.
8. Anyone who moves or laughs is declared out.
9. The last player remaining still is the winner.
10. In some versions, the first child who gets out becomes the new caller in the next round.

Caller Actions

The fun part of the game begins after everyone freezes. The caller may try to make the “statues” react in harmless and funny ways.

• Making funny faces.
• Telling jokes.
• Imitating animals.
• Dancing in a silly manner.
• Pretending to fall or act dramatically.
• Using only light, harmless gestures if local rules permit.

Variations

Mizoram Version

In Mizoram, the game is known as A Che Che Sih Hlawk Ah, with local chanting lines that add rhythm and excitement to play.

Arunachal Pradesh Version

A similar version is referred to as Around the London. The structure remains similar, though the chant and playful punishments may vary.

Gujarat Version

In Gujarat, children may use the line: દોડો દોડો, ડુંગર ઉપર આગ લાગી… જે ભાગે તેનો જીવ બચે. The local rhyme gives the same basic game a distinctive regional flavour.

Rules

• Children must freeze completely when the caller turns around.
• Any movement, talking, smiling, or laughing can lead to elimination.
• The caller should observe fairly and announce who is out.
• The game continues until only one player remains.
• Local variations may decide whether the winner or first eliminated player becomes the next caller.

Scoring

There is no formal scoring system in this game. The winner is simply the player who remains still and serious for the longest time.

Benefits

Cautions

• Play in a safe and open area free from obstacles.
• Avoid rough pushing or harmful contact.
• Any playful punishment should remain harmless and optional.
• Ensure younger children are supervised during group play.