Chaki badi

Chaki Khela

Chaki Badi

From Odisha

Chaki Badi is one of the oldest games in parts of Odisha, popular among the Juang tribe. It is played by hitting a chaki (circular rubber disc, cut from used slippers) with a wooden stick called the Badi.

It is a fun game where players (usually comprising both children and adults) are divided into two teams of seven to nine players each. The matches are played in a rectangular field measuring about 100 sq ft with the boundary demarcated by bamboo sticks at the four corners, similar to a football field.

Chaki Khela originated in Santhalis in Mayurbhanj district. It later caught the fancy of the tribal communities—including Mundas, Dehuris and Mahantas—in Keonjhar and Dhenkanal districts.

This game is simple and resourceful, showcasing the creativity and cultural heritage of the tribe. The image¹⁵ below shows one instance of the game where players are posing before the game.

The Setup

Players

The game typically involves 14 to 18 players, often forming two teams.

Equipment

Chaki: A circular rubber disc, usually made from the sole of a slipper or other rubber material.

Badi: The stick/bat, a light waist-high bamboo stick prepared and wrapped for grip and durability.

Together Chaki -badi literally means disc and stick.

Playing Area: A flat, open space is required, such as a village ground measuring 100 sq feet. divided into two courts by a midline.

The Play

Playing method

The primary goal is to toss or roll the chaki accurately at a target, to a designated area. Alternatively, it may involve passing the chaki among players while evading opponents.

The matches are played in a square field measuring 100 feet length and breadth, with the boundary demarcated by bamboo sticks at the four corners, striking a similarity with a football field. Each match has a duration of 20 minutes with an interval of five minutes.

The team winning the toss flags off the match by hitting the chaki placed at the middle of a line in the centre of the field. A player holding the badi, which is a little higher than his waist, hits the chaki. The strike ought to be savagely forceful and sharply skilful so as to make the chaki cross the boundary and fetch points for his team.

Scoring

If the Chaki swings in the air and crosses over the boundary, the player scores six points for his team. If it rolls along the ground through the area of the rival team to cross the boundary, it is counted as four points.

When a player hits the chaki and it enters his team’s area before crossing over the boundary, the opponent team earns two points as bonus. If the badi slips off the hands of a player, the other team wins four points. If the chaki touches the striker’s body, the other team gets a free hit. A row of chakis kept in reserve in case the chaki in the game gets lost after being hit.

Starting the game

Players decide the order through a toss or a simple counting method.

The game starts with one team or individual tossing the chaki toward a target.

Basic moves

Tossing/throwing: Players aim to strike a target, for example, a pole, stone, or marked area, using the chaki.

Dodging and blocking: Opponents may try to intercept or block the disc.

Passing: In some variations, the chaki is passed between teammates while opponents attempt to snatch it.

Winning

Points are scored for successfully hitting the target or achieving the objective set for the game.

The team or individual with the most points at the end wins.

Variations

Target-Based Play: Players aim at fixed targets, such as stacked stones or wooden blocks, and compete to knock them down.

Chaki Chase: Players compete to retrieve the chaki while opponents try to block or tag them.

Relay Passing: Teams pass the chaki back and forth while racing to complete a circuit.

Cultural Importance