Lagori (also called Pittu or Satoliya) is a traditional Indian outdoor game played with a pile of flat stones and a rubber ball. This chapter tells the story of children who love playing lagori and what they learn from it — about teamwork, courage, and the joy of traditional games.
What Is Lagori?
Lagori is played between two teams. One team tries to knock down a pile of seven flat stones with a ball. The other team tries to get the players out by hitting them with the ball before they can rebuild the stone pile. The team that rebuilds the pile wins!
Equipment needed: flat stones (seven), a rubber ball, an open ground, and two teams of players.
How the Game Is Played
Example 1: Setting Up
Meena's team carefully stacks seven flat stones one on top of another to form the pillar. They stand a short distance away and take turns throwing the ball to knock it down.
Example 2: The Throw
Suresh throws the ball hard and knocks down all seven stones! His team shouts with joy. Now they must run and try to rebuild the pile before the other team hits them with the ball.
Example 3: Rebuilding Under Pressure
While Suresh's team tries to rebuild the stones, the other team runs around throwing the ball at them. Meena ducks, dodges, and quickly places the stones one by one. Her team rebuilds the pile and shouts "Lagori!" — they win!
Example 4: Teamwork in Action
Some players dodge the ball while others rebuild the pile. No single player can win alone. Each member has a role — this is what teamwork means.
Example 5: Learning a Lesson
After losing, Suresh's team does not give up. They practise for a week and come back stronger. The lesson: try, fail, learn, and try again.
Key Vocabulary
- Traditional — something that has been done for a long time in a culture
- Teamwork — working together as a group to achieve a goal
- Strategy — a plan you make to win or succeed
- Dodge — to move quickly to avoid being hit
The Value of Traditional Games
Games like lagori teach us quick thinking, communication, agility, and respect for rules — all without screens or gadgets. They connect us to India's rich culture.
Common mistakes
Students sometimes think only modern games or sports are important. Traditional games like lagori, kho-kho, and kabaddi are equally valuable and teach important life skills.
Summary
Lagori is a fun, exciting traditional Indian game that builds teamwork, agility, and strategy. The chapter shows that playing together, following rules, and not giving up make us true champions — on and off the field.