A Historical Study of the Origin and Features of Some Selected Folk Games in North Bengal

Abstract

Play, games and sports are integral aspect of any human culture. Traditional games and sports can form the backbone of a community which are the part of intangible heritage and a symbol of the cultural diversity of our societies. They are also an efficient means to convey values of solidarity, diversity, inclusiveness and culture which form an integral part of society. Moreover, they reflect on different cultural expressions, and create a bridge between cultures for a better mutual comprehension. Most of the traditional games and sports, expressions of indigenous cultures and ways of life contributing to the common identity of humanity, have already disappeared and those that are surviving are threatened of imminent disappearance and extinction under the combined effect of globalization and harmonization of the rich diversity of world sport heritage. Thus in this context the present study has made an attempt to examine the origin and features of Gollachut, Ekka -dokka, Ekir -Mikir, hamri, Agdum bagdum, Elating Belating Sailo, etc folk games in historical context.