In the pre-70s era, childhood was all about outdoor play, fresh air, and the simple joys of life. After school and a nourishing meal, children would run out to open fields, transforming them into vibrant playgrounds filled with laughter and energetic games. Without gadgets or screens, they played with marbles, sticks, stones—whatever they could find—developing agility, focus, and social skills in the process. These traditional games kept them physically fit, mentally alert, and emotionally resilient, all while absorbing plenty of sunshine for Vitamin D and creating cherished, lifelong memories.
Traditional games are a treasured yet fading part of the state's cultural story, once guarded with pride and filled with joy. They still spark deep nostalgia among elders—like stumbling upon an old, worn-out cricket bat or a pouch of marbles from childhood. Long before mobile phones and television took over, Goan children made the most of what they had, turning simple tools and open spaces into sources of endless fun. Indoor games like tablam, ticktem, fatrani, vhirani, Biyaani, and Waagaani, while outdoor games like Koindya-baal, Goffin, Mithaani, Fatrani, Aate race, Goddyani, Logorio, etc were not just pastimes—they were ways to bond with friends, build community, stay active, and learn the values of teamwork and fair play.
These traditional games were once a central part of daily life in Goan homes—played during family gatherings, festivals, and leisure evenings. They reflect a time when fun was handmade, movement was natural, and connections were face-to-face. Through this event, participants will not only get to enjoy these games but also gain insight into the values, creativity, and community spirit they nurtured. Sadly, many from Gen-Z may have never heard of these traditional games, as screens and indoor entertainment continue to dominate childhood experiences.
Reviving traditional Goan games is about more than nostalgia—preserving cultural heritage, promoting outdoor play, and restoring community bonds once strong in villages. This revival began quietly through festivals like São João and Patoyanchem Fest in Salvador do Mundo, Pomburpa, and Socorro in North Goa. Over the years, that small spark has grown into a broader movement across the state. Many elders, once saddened by fading traditions, are now heartened by this return. With support from individuals and parish councils, traditional games are making a joyful and meaningful comeback, offering simple, wholesome fun.
The traditional Goan game Tablam is experiencing a revival, particularly in Salcete villages such as Chinchinim, Benaulim, Navelim, and Sarzora, where locals continue to play on weekends. Its appeal is now reaching beyond Salcete. On June 19, the Association of Senior Citizens of Taleigão organised a well-received Tablam event at the St. Michael Community Centre, drawing enthusiastic participation from senior citizens.
The game is played on a distinctive U-shaped wooden board with slats and involves a colorful slider and four bamboo slats called Tablam, each about six inches long. One side is smooth, with notches marked by two Xs at each end, while the other side reveals the fibrous inner pith. Scoring is done on a wooden board featuring two parallel rows of twelve holes/houses, connected by a grid of lines. Black and white stones are placed in the rows, representing the two opponents—one for each player. The pieces that belong to each team are distinguished by colour. It can be any other things Tamarind seeds and Chikoo seeds, stones and shells etc.
The core aim of the game is to enter the opponent’s territory by defeating any opposing players encountered along the way. The path involves ascending (via the second column), descending (via the third), and finally entering the opponent’s house (the fourth column). Meanwhile, opponents are also on a similar mission—trying to invade your house—leading to a series of attacks and counterattacks during the journey. Tablam can be played by 2, 4, 6, 8, or even 10 players, with each team having an equal number of members. Players sit on the floor in a circle on bankin- a low wooden stool. Each group is led by a captain and the Tablér(scoreboard) complete the circle, forming the game arena.
To begin, the first player holds the four slats upright, taps one end on the floor, flips them 180º, and catches them in the air—repeating this sequence twice before letting the slats fall to the floor. If three slats land with the smooth side facing up and one with the pith side up, this is called a tabla. It allows the player to move a peg into the opponent's row and remove one of their pegs. The score is tracked by moving pegs around the wooden board. To stay active in the game, a player must score a tabl—without it, other scores like atth(8) or bara(12) hold no value. Scoring a tabl, atth, orbaragives the player an additional turn to toss or deal again.
One can witness a lively scene filled with laughter, excitement, and cheerful shouting, especially when players call out scores like Atth or Bara. A Bara is declared when all four sticks land flat—an exciting highlight of the game. Enthusiasts who’ve revived Tablam believe it deserves a place in Goa’s history books and school curricula. Teaching it would preserve its legacy and pass it on to future generations.
(Dr Alvarinho Luis is a Scientist by profession and also works as a freelancer)
