A traditional game of Kavade, anyone?

BANGALORE: Traditional games. The word either opens up a flood of childhood memories for the, not-so-young or meets with an ‘are-you-an-alien’ stare from the young. A mother caught in this perplexing situation decided to bridge this gap and bring her children and parents together for a game of Kavade. Thus, the store, Kavade was born.The small shop is located at Sheshadripuram and  boasts of several traditional board games — Of different sizes, shapes, colours and made of eco-friendly materials. Games such as Chowka Bara, Pagade, Tiger and Goat, Navakankari, Lagori and Chenne mane are found here; a place that unites the young and the old and make them feel like they have stepped into a time capsule. The owner of the store, Sreeranjani G S has been an avid collector and player of several of these games since her childhood. Puzzles and brain teasers were part of her growing up years. Today, she keeps her child occupied with traditional games as an alternative to video games and other computer-based games. “Playing these games is also a wonderful way to bond with people, a bonding that is now absent in the contemporary urban set-up,” she explained. She converted her hobby into a profession in 2008. She said, “I always wanted to revive the tradition and culture of the traditional  games. These games don’t need any gadgets like batteries but are made of simple materials that are easily available in our day-to-day life like threads, shells, and wooden pieces etc.”Not restricting her efforts to just a store, she also conducts workshops for children and corporate personnel during weekends. The game concepts, rules and procedures, short mathematical calculations and, permutations and combinations are taught to interested people. “Children are excited to play new games. The generation today is faster and they try to evolve new games. In this process, they involve parents and grandparents resulting in quality family time. These games are also great stress busters,” she said.The boards and materials are manufactured by self help groups in Kanyakumari and Varanasi. On questioning why she does not use artistes closer home, she replied, “Many Channapattana  artistes are opting for other livelihood options.”  She has been conducting workshops in the ongoing Gudiya Sambrama programme. “We have been recreating the atmosphere of erstwhile culture — An entire community playing these games on temple premises.” For more details contact : Sreeranjani - 9980022820.