Onam 2025: Popular traditional games for kids to enjoy during festival

New Delhi: When it comes to the celebration of Onam, Kerala’s iconic harvest festival, the state offers a variety of activities to be experienced by all. From adults enjoying the legendary snake boat races, making pookalams, preparing Sadhya, to performing tiger dance or pulikali and thiruvathirakali, children entertain themselves with various traditional games passed down by generations, such as Uriyai or pot beaking, Thalapanthukali involving a ball, and Vadamvali or tug of war, among many other activities.

These traditional games are not only fun activities for the children but a medium of learning agility, teamwork, and the value of community spirit. In today’s era of technology, smart gadgets and online games, which impact the health of kids, these games provide an opportunity to get engaged in productive physical work. Here are some of the most popular Onam games which children still enjoy all over Kerala, particularly during the Onam festival.

Read about the traditional games for kids played during the Onam festival.

1. Uriyadi

Uriyadi, or pot breaking, played during Onam celebrations, is similar to breaking dahi handi. It involves a uri or a simple rope knot tied to an earthen pot filled with a mixture of milk, butter, fruit and ghee. The other end of the rope is controlled by one person through a loop tied to it. The player dressed as Krishna has to break the uri. Bystanders splash water onto the player or wrap a piece of cloth around the player’s eyes. The player who overcomes all these challenges and breaks the URI within the given time is the winner.

2. Thalapanthukali

Thalapanthukali, also known as Thalamapanthu or Onapanthu, is a popular game played by children and adults alike as a part of Onam festivities. It is similar to cricket, where the players are divided into two teams of 7 each. The game involves a ball made of coconut leaves or panthu that has to be thrown over the head or thala. The stick is planted firmly on the ground. The player has to stand a few feet away from the stump, facing backwards. Using one hand, the player has to throw the ball into the air and hit it using the other hand. If the team members of the opposite team can catch the ball before it hits the ground or flick the stump using the ball, the player is declared out.

3. Vadamvali

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Vadamvali, or tug of war, is a popular entertainment sport played by kids and adults during Onam celebrations in Kerala. When team strength is combined with wit and vigour, a thick rope tugged by two teams in opposite directions becomes one of the best games that can create much excitement and entertainment for the players as well as the spectators in a short period of time.

Certainly, kids will remember these traditional Onam games for a lifetime, which filled their delicate phase with entertainment in a unique way. These traditions simply connect the younger generation with Kerala’s cultural roots in the most joyful way possible. So, don’t forget to involve your children in the traditional Onam games!