Imagine living in a posh society in a skyscraper. You sit on the balcony and watch the slum kids play with a tire in the distance. At first, you may feel sorry for the less fortunate children because of their poverty. Then you realize that you also played or watched the game as a child. The more affluent among the ’90s kids might not have known the game. Still, it was more prevalent in lower- and middle-class households. Another popular game was gilli-danda. The fights and excitement aroused by playing the game were remarkable.
No one forgets the rules of gully cricket in their life. If the ball is caught at a single drop, that’s out. The guy who owns the bat always bats first. The rooftop cricket goes a little bit crazier. If the ball is lost in the process, the team is collectively responsible. A spare guy in the team would collect the ball if it fell in the drain. Those were happy days for the ’90s kids. The bonding and friendship among the kids were top-notch. A little show-off and envy were also shown as they tried their hands at these street games.
Blindfold and hide-and-seek are still doing the rounds among today’s kids. Still, iconic street games like kancha (marbles) and Pitthu (seven stones) have been lost. The rules of playing these games are relatively simple, but also quite exciting. The nostalgic games we played as kids should be remembered with gratitude. At the very least, a faded remembrance would be appreciated.
Outdoor games like Kho-kho and Dog and Bone are classic examples. Players pursued victory at all costs. These street games tapped into the competitive nature of ’90s kids. It’s challenging to transition from the street game to becoming an athlete because there is no apparent connection between them. Still, all the athletes must have utilized their raw talent to develop by playing street games and challenging opponents.
Many 90s kids designed their ways of killing time and playing with friends. Dollhouses and swings made by girls were essential in developing the girls’ children at that time. The circus and Disney parks of the past used to amaze us. Snake charmers and horse dances brought nail-biting excitement into the lives of ’90s kids. Many of these entertainments are alien to Gen Z.
The catch-me game of the ’90s kids has become the catch-me-if-you-can of the corporate ladder. But the original thrill and innocence still linger. Although the players stay the same, the rules have been slightly modified. The street game champions of the past have become keyboard warriors for conglomerates. Still, their hearts yearn for the little emotional moments etched in the mighty golden past, profound in memory lane.
The Witty Stride 