According to the Central Intelligence Agency, India is the second most populous nation in the entire world as of 2010. Of that population, about 30 percent are kids who are 14 years old or younger. These young people play games that have been traditions in India for centuries. These games have endured because they require very little equipment, have only a few rules and don't take a long time to play.
Latoo
Latoo is a traditional game that involves tops. The tops have a pointed end on which they can spin. These tops, or latoos, come with a string. The player throws the latoo down on the ground and yanks on the string to get the latoo to spin. This requires some skill on the player's part, since a latoo that isn't tossed or yanked properly may break or start to spin off balance. The player whose latoo spins the longest wins the game. Indian children consider this a street game. There is no limit to how many people can play at a time, but there needs to be enough room in the area of play to let each player spin his latoo freely. Children sometimes play this game in tournaments.
Kokla Chappakki
Kokla Chappakki is a party and outdoor game similar to the American version of Duck Duck Goose. There must be a minimum of six players. All of the players sit in a circle, with one player (the Danner) standing up with a scarf. The players sing a short song about writing a letter several times through. Everyone in the circle keeps their eyes closed during the singing. At the end of the singing, the Danner drops the scarf behind someone in the circle, and everyone opens their eyes to see if the scarf is behind them. The player that has the scarf behind him gets up and chases the Danner around the circle. The Danner is "out" if he can't run around the circle fast enough to sit in the chaser's seat before the chaser catches him.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a game similar to tag that is played in teams. Each team must have at least five players, but there really is no limit to how many people may be on a team. One player from one team crosses the line that divides the team. The player who crosses the line chants "Kabaddi" over and over again for as long as he can with one breath. As he runs and chants, he tries to "kill" at least one member of the opposing team by touching them. Members from the team he is challenging may try to "kill" him in the same way. When he has "killed" a member of the opposing team or run out of air, he crosses back to his side. Then another player from the first chanter's team goes out across the line and takes a turn at chanting and tagging. Play continues until all members of one team are "killed."
