10 Traditional Board Games to Play During Dasara Festival 2025
Check Out All The Handcrafted Indian Traditional Board Games Here
Dasara Festival 2025 brings families together from September 22 to October 2, creating the perfect opportunity to celebrate with traditional Indian board games that have entertained generations. These heritage games not only provide hours of fun but also connect us to our rich cultural roots while teaching valuable life skills like strategy, patience, and teamwork.
Why Traditional Games During Dasara?
The spirit of Dasara—celebrating the victory of good over evil—aligns beautifully with traditional board games that teach moral values, strategic thinking, and family bonding. These games were originally designed to impart wisdom while entertaining, making them perfect for festive celebrations.
Top 10 Traditional Indian Board Games for Dasara 2025
1. Chowka Bara
This dynamic cross-and-circle game from Karnataka uses cowrie shells and colorful tokens. Players race their pieces around the board, making strategic decisions with each throw. It's perfect for 2-4 players and teaches patience and planning.
2. Pallanguzhi
Originating from Tamil Nadu, this ancient mancala game is played with shells, seeds, or tamarind stones in a wooden tray with 14 pits. It enhances counting skills, logical thinking, and concentration—ideal for both children and adults.
3. Aadu Huli Aatam (Tiger & Goat Game)
A fascinating strategic game from South India where one player controls tigers and the other manages goats. The goats aim to trap the tigers while tigers try to "hunt" them. This game teaches quick thinking and strategic planning.
4. Chausar (Pachisi)
With roots in the Mahabharata and royal courts, Chausar uses cowrie shells or dice as players race tokens around a cross-shaped board. This game of strategy and chance is deeply connected to Indian heritage and epic literature.
5. Pagade
Often played on cloth boards, Pagade is a dice-based game similar to Chausar, featuring elegant movement of pieces around the board. Known for its connection to Indian royalty, it brings sophistication to family game nights.
6. Moksha Patam (Snakes & Ladders)
The original Indian version of the popular Snakes and Ladders, Moksha Patam was designed to teach moral lessons about karma and dharma. Ladders represent virtues while snakes symbolize vices—perfect for Dasara's theme of good conquering evil.
7. Ganjifa
These beautifully hand-painted circular cards feature mythological themes and royal court life. Made from premium materials and elaborately decorated, Ganjifa combines artistry with strategic gameplay.
8. Ashtapada
An ancient predecessor to chess, played on an eight-by-eight board with special "castle" markings where pieces are safe. This game develops strategic thinking and forward planning.
9. Alaguli Mane
A popular mancala game from Karnataka, similar to Pallanguzhi, involving strategic distribution of seeds or shells around a wooden board with two rows of pits. It's excellent for developing mathematical skills.
10. Lambs and Tigers
An asymmetric strategy game where one player controls three tigers while the other manages up to 15 lambs. This game teaches resource management and tactical thinking.
Benefits of Playing Traditional Games During Dasara
- Cultural Connection: Reconnect with Indian heritage and pass traditions to younger generations
- Screen-Free Entertainment: Enjoy quality family time without digital distractions
- Skill Development: Enhance strategic thinking, mathematical abilities, and social skills
- Festive Bonding: Create memorable moments during the festival celebration
- Educational Value: Learn history, mythology, and moral lessons through gameplay
Expert Insights
"Traditional Indian board games during Dasara are more than entertainment—they're cultural bridges connecting generations. Games like Chowka Bara and Pachisi carry centuries of wisdom and strategy that modern families can rediscover during festivals."
— Dr. Priya Sharma, Cultural Heritage Researcher
"Playing heritage games during Dasara reinforces the festival's core message of wisdom triumphing over ignorance. These games naturally teach patience, strategy, and moral values while bringing families together."
— Ravi Krishnan, Traditional Games Historian
"At Roll the Dice, we believe traditional games are the perfect way to celebrate Indian festivals. They combine fun, learning, and cultural pride in ways that modern games simply cannot match."
— Team Roll the Dice
Creating Your Dasara Game Night
Set up a dedicated space with traditional decorations—marigold garlands, rangoli, and diyas—to create an authentic festive atmosphere. Rotate through different games each night of the 10-day celebration, allowing family members to discover their favorites while honoring different regional traditions.
Celebrate with Roll the Dice
This Dasara 2025, bring home the complete collection of authentic traditional Indian board games from Roll the Dice. Our carefully crafted heritage games ensure quality family entertainment while preserving India's gaming legacy for future generations.
Make this Dasara truly special—let victory come through strategy, wisdom, and joyful family moments!