Kashmiri Kids Rediscover Lost Childhood Games

In a rural part of Bandipora, hundreds of students from five government schools recently experienced a revival of Kashmir's fading childhood heritage. PM Shri Government Secondary School Laharwalpora organized a festival to introduce around 600 students to traditional games. Activities included Lathkij Loth (Gilli Danda), Gulail (slingshot), Garam (seven stones), and Kanan (javelin throwing), many of which were unfamiliar to the mobile-centric generation.

The event, held on a 'bag-less day' as per the new national education policy, successfully engaged students and evoked nostalgia in teachers and parents. Older villagers also reminisced about playing similar games in their youth, noting the impact of mobiles and drugs on current youngsters. The school aims to connect students with their culture and provide them with enjoyable, traditional alternatives to excessive screen time, with many games suitable for home play.