Nadee-Parvat

नदी – पर्वत | નદી કે પર્વત | ऊँच-नीच का पापड़ा | నేల-బండ | दगड का माती | डेंगा पानी | কুমির দাঙ্গা

Introduction

Popularly called denga-paani and known as nadee-parvat in many regions, this traditional run-and-chase game is from the state of Bihar. Denga means a boat. Nadee means river, magar means crocodile, parvat is a hill or mountain. The terms used in the game are nadee or a ground area or lower surface like a river; parvat or an area higher than the ground level, like a mountain; and magar, the player who has to catch the other players, like a crocodile living in the river. The concept is that the magar tries to catch the other players when they enter the area designated for the magar. The challenge for the other players is to venture out into the area which they do not occupy.

This game doesn’t require a large playground, so it gained popularity in village streets. However, it can be played in urban areas as well.

Other Names

Region Name
Andhra Pradesh Naela banda
Gujarat Nadee ke parvat
West Bengal Kumir danga
Region Name
Bihar Denga-pani, Nehriya ki daab dubiya
Maharashtra Dagad ka maati
UttarPradesh Unch neech ka papda

Equipment Needed

No equipment is required for this game, except the demarcated playing area.

The Playground

This simple outdoor game can be played in parks, on empty streets, just outside houses using the steps of the veranda or on any open ground with raised platforms—the lower level to be used as the nadee and the elevated level as the parvat. In case the ground with raised areas is not available, we may draw or mark several square boxes to designate them as the parvat, or raised platforms can be created simply by using bricks or flat stone sheets.

On a flat surface, an area of total size 30 ft. x 20 ft. with around four to six square boxes measuring 2 ft. x 2 ft. can be used as the parvat. The boxes are drawn scattered randomly throughout the play area.

Number of Players

Any number of players can join the game depending on the space available. We recommend between four to eight players. The players who occupy the parvat are the runners.

Playing Method

  1. Select any player to be the magar and ask her to choose one of the two areas: nadee or parvat. The lower area is designated as the nadee. Usually the magar opts for nadee to run freely and the runners occupy the higher areas of the ground. The game begins when one or more runners venture into the nadee and tease the magar with this song: Hum Tumhare Pani me, Pakdo (I am in your area, catch me if you can).
  2. When the runners enter the nadee, the magar chases them and the runners get out to save themselves, on the parvat. Any runner can take any parvat during the game as a safe area.
  3. If the magar touches any part of a runner’s body while he or she is in the nadee, then the magar gets two points, and the runner loses one point. The caught runner will now play the magar, and the next round of the game will continue.
  4. If a runner is able to touch the magar’s back without getting touched by the magar’s hand, then the runner gains one point.
  5. The players constantly move from the parvat to the nadee. The game is always fast-moving as all the players are on the move, coordinating and competing with others.

Scoring

If the magar catches a runner, the magar gets two points, and the caught runner loses one point (minus one). If a runner touches the magar’s back, then the runner gains one point. In the end, the person with the highest score is the winner. Often, players choose to play without keeping score, and the game is still interesting as players rotate in their roles.

Rules

  1. Once the magar chooses the nadee area, he or she should not step onto the parvat area by any means or let other players step on the nadee.
  2. The players will have to move constantly in both areas. They cannot stand in the same position for more than 10 seconds; else, the play will be stagnant.
  3. When the runners rush and try to touch the magar on the back, they should not push him or her. Otherwise, the magar may stumble and fall.

Positions, Tasks and Techniques

Roles Positions Tasks Strategy | Techniques
Magar (the chaser) Take a position in nadee. Catch the runners who intrude in the nadee area. Be vigilant to catch the runners. Pretend to move in planned directions that appear to be random to divert their attention.
The runners Take positions in areas designated as the parvat. Venture into the magar’s area, leaving the parvat. As a team, enter the nadee swiftly and escape, coordinating with other runners. Enter into the magar’s area from unpredictable directions to confuse the magar who is trying to catch the runners.

Key Skills Required

Any individual with adequate running speed and an alert mind can participate in the play. A player’s success depends on agility and the ability to react quickly to a changed situation, such as a quick movement by other players or the magar.

Children of ages five to fifteen years primarily play this game. All genders and people of all ages enjoy this game, as physical strength is not critical. Corporate events and family gatherings are also ideal opportunities for adults to play this game.

Caution

The players need to be careful not to stumble on the ground while running and jumping through the two levels. In addition, since the space is limited, the players are likely to collide as well.

Skills Developed

The players learn to decide quickly and to rapidly calculate the timing according to the game’s pace. The game helps to analyse and choose the better option from two situations at the moment.

Life Lessons

While playing this game, children learn to be alert and confident. To save their teammates from getting tagged out, they find new techniques to divert the rival’s attention while he or she is chasing any one of the players.

Current State

The game is still considered a fun activity in schools during recess in some regions but has lost its charm as a traditional street game.

 Variations of the game

Players recite the following phrases in their respective languages when they ask the magar for the choice.

In Marathi, they say, ‘Kora Kagad Nili Shai, Amhi Konhala Bhiti Nahi. Sanga Tumcha Nav kay, Dagad Ka Maati?’

In Gujarati, ‘Maango , shu Maangyu … Nadee ke Parvat?’ Ame tamara pani ma, pakdo pakdo.

In Telugu, it is recited as ‘Nee nelanta pappu suddha’.

In Hindi, the question is translated as ‘Unch neech ka papda—Oonch mangi ki neech?’ Or, “Hum tumhare pani me, pakado.’

Glossary

Nadee                  The lower areas of the playfield

Parvat                  The raised platforms or higher areas of the playfield

Runners              The players who are assigned to the parvat

Magar                  The chaser