Traditional Games of Sikkim Spotlight on Tettli
Traditional Games of Sikkim Spotlight on Tettli
Blog Article
Sikkim, nestled in the northeastern part of India, is a land rich in cultural diversity, tradition, and heritage. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, this small state is home to various ethnic communities like the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis, each contributing to its vibrant cultural mosaic. Among the many traditions that continue to shape the identity of the people of Sikkim are their traditional games and pastimes, which hold both recreational and cultural value. One such lesser-known yet deeply rooted traditional game is Tettli Sikkim Game.
Understanding Traditional Games in Sikkim
Before diving into the specifics of Tettli, it’s essential to appreciate the broader landscape of traditional games in Sikkim. These games were developed in the context of the natural environment, local materials, and community life. They often reflect the wisdom, agility, and teamwork that rural life demands. Most of them do not require sophisticated equipment—just simple items available in nature or household settings.
Some popular traditional games of Sikkim include:
Sokpa-Sokpi (a type of hide-and-seek)
Lingey Ping (a bamboo pole balancing game)
Kabaddi and Dandi Biyo (popular in rural areas)
Carrom and Chess (introduced later but adopted widely)
Archery (especially among the Bhutia and Lepcha communities)
These games are not merely pastimes but a means of social bonding, physical exercise, and cultural expression. They are often played during festivals, community gatherings, and after agricultural work.
Tettli: A Traditional Game Rooted in Nature
Tettli is a traditional children’s game from the Nepali-speaking communities of Sikkim. Although not as well-documented as other games, it remains a cherished memory for many rural children who grew up in the villages and hills of Sikkim. Tettli, like many traditional games, reflects simplicity, ingenuity, and a deep connection with the environment.
What is Tettli?
Tettli is a game primarily played by children, and it involves using flat, small pieces of stone or sometimes round seeds or nuts. The name "Tettli" refers to the main playing object, which is often a flat, disc-like stone, similar in size and shape to a coin or a small button. The game requires skillful hand coordination, timing, and strategy.
The game can be played solo or with multiple players. Although the rules may vary slightly from one village to another, the essence of the game remains consistent—using one's fingers to flip, catch, or hit the tettli in a precise manner. It is often compared to games like “pittu” or “gutte,” but with regional variations that make it unique.
Materials Needed:
5 or more small flat stones or seeds (the tettlis)
A flat surface to play on (usually bare ground or a smooth stone platform)
How It’s Played:
The basic version of Tettli is played similarly to the "five stones" or "gutte" game popular in various parts of South Asia. Here's a common way it is played:
Scatter and Pick: All five stones are scattered on the ground. The player picks up one tettli and tosses it in the air. Before it lands, the player quickly picks up another stone and catches the one tossed—using the same hand.
Increasing Difficulty: As the game progresses, the number of stones to be picked up increases, from one to four, while still catching the tossed stone mid-air.
Advanced Moves: In more advanced stages, players may be required to flip the tettlis or hit targets with them using just flicks of their fingers.
Winning: The player who successfully completes all the stages without dropping the tettli or making mistakes is considered the winner.
This game tests reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and memory. It also instills patience and concentration in young minds.
Cultural Significance of Tettli
Although it may appear to be a simple game, Tettli carries cultural and emotional significance. It is often associated with a rural, carefree childhood—where children would gather under a tree or in a courtyard and play for hours. In an age before mobile phones, video games, and internet access, Tettli was one of the many ways children entertained themselves while also developing life skills.
In some communities, it was also seen as a game that girls especially enjoyed, often playing it during breaks between household chores or while looking after younger siblings. This gendered aspect of traditional play gives insight into the social structure and roles within Sikkimese families.
Why Traditional Games Like Tettli Matter Today
With modernization and the advent of digital entertainment, traditional games like Tettli are disappearing. Many children today may not even recognize the name. However, reviving such games has become a point of interest for cultural preservationists and educators.
Here’s why these games still matter:
Cultural Identity: They are a part of the intangible cultural heritage of the region.
Physical and Mental Skills: These games develop coordination, memory, focus, and strategy.
Social Bonding: They promote peer interaction, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Low Cost, High Value: No need for expensive equipment—just creativity and local materials.
Some schools and community groups in Sikkim have begun organizing traditional game days to help reconnect the younger generation with their roots. Elders in the community play a vital role in teaching these games to children, often sharing stories and anecdotes from their own childhoods.
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