From Punjab

Rumal chor

Kokla Chapakki is a traditional outdoor game. It’s a fun group game often played primarily by children.

The player holding the kokla – the handkerchief to hold and play with- is secretly placed behind another player sitting in the circle. That player then has to chase and catch the person before they take their seat.

The Setup

The setup is simple. We need no less than 6 players, but more players make it more exciting.

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

Object to play with: A small piece of cloth, handkerchief, or similar object to act as the kokla.

The Play

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.

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

One player starts as the ‘runner’ and holds the kokla, for example a small piece of cloth such as a handkerchief..

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.

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.

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.

Players sing

Players sing different rhymes in different regions of India, in Gujarat the rhyme is Rumaal no dhoko dham dham thay, Aaju baju juve eni thumpadi rangaay!

“Kokla Chapaki Jumeraat aayi aye jera agge pichey wekhey ohdi shamat aayi aye.” In Punjab.

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).

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 for Winning

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.