Aarohi Kale is learning the traditional Indian game of five stones from her grandmother Neeta Bhogle. The game is called Gonggi in Korean and is included in the popular Korean drama Squid Game 2. , Photo Courtesy: Nagara Gopal
If you are General Alpha, addicted to wild turns squid game Season 2, it is possible that your curiosity about Gongyi has diminished. Here’s a fun fact: Gonggi is played in India too. Just ask someone from Gen pacheta (Rajasthan), Kuzhangal (Tamil Nadu), raw coal comes (Telugu), Sagargote (Marathi), or Paan Guti (Assamese), and watch them unlock a treasure trove of childhood memories.
Gonggi, or ‘Five Stones’, is a timeless Indian game that demands nothing more than nimble fingers and five trusty stones. No fancy boards, no gadgets – just your hands and a playful spirit. The stones may be smooth pebbles, cody Seeds, gray knicker beans or even shiny cowry shells. However, there’s one catch: they have to be exactly the right size. stones used gonggi It should be exactly the right size – neither big, nor small. They should be large enough to be picked up quickly with your fingers, yet small enough to fit comfortably together in the palm of your hand. A Goldilocks field of stones, if you will.
Ready to play? Gonggi isn’t just about speed – it’s a test of skill, timing and pure entertainment. Gen
It’s proof that sometimes the simplest games, born of resourcefulness, provide the most lasting joy.
Gonggi from ‘Squid Game 2’
Often played in groups, this game is not a race to finish first, but a test of timing and accuracy in catching stones. For someone from Gen X, the process of selecting and dressing the stones was a ritual in itself. Sarbani Dev, a veterinary college lecturer, recalls, “After choosing five stones that fit the hand, we would rub them on the floor to smooth out the rough edges. This was important because stones with sharp or uneven surfaces were difficult to play with. It was considered lucky to find naturally smooth stones.
“In the 90s, another option was to use large cowry shells – shiny, oval-shaped seashells,” says Rashmi Shah, a lawyer. At that time, when shopping was not just a click away and resources were limited, stones were the best tool. I also had three sets of ‘five stones.'” A distinctive feature of the game is that all players sit on the floor, which adds to its intimate and down-to-earth charm.
To play, first all five stones are dropped on the floor. You choose a stone to throw into the air, then pick up one stone at a time and catch the tossed stone before it falls to the ground. Once all five stones are collected, you repeat the process, increasing the difficulty by picking up two stones at a time, then three, and finally all four. In the second step, you hold all five stones in your palm, gently toss them into the air, and turn your hand to catch them behind your fingers.
The game continues with another round where you place the stones back on the ground, toss one stone into the air, and quickly collect all four before catching the stone blown into the air. The final step, known as the ‘bridge step’, involves making a bridge with the extension of your arm. As soon as a stone is thrown into the air, the remaining stones pass through the bridge along with catching the stone blown in the air. The game, based on reflexes, focus and skill, embodies the simplicity and joy of childhood, creating a timeless connection between generations.
published – January 23, 2025 02:46 PM IST
