Mysuru: The Cultural Hub of Traditional Indian Board Games

Mysuru is not just famous for its palaces, yoga, and Dasara celebrations. It is also known as a true paradise for traditional Indian board game lovers. In this city, board games are not just pastimes – they are part of the culture and everyday life.

Chowka Bara – The Heartbeat of Every Home

Ask anyone who grew up in Mysuru and they will tell you: every house once played Chowka Bara almost on a daily basis. Grandparents, cousins, and grandchildren would gather in the evenings, especially on Sundays after the traditional castor oil and seegekayi head bath, to roll the cowrie shells and move their pawns across the board. Laughter, small fights, and clever moves made these evenings memorable and full of warmth.

Pagade – The Game of Companionship

In Mysuru homes, board games were not limited to family gatherings. Every night in Mysuru homes, it was common to see a husband and wife playing Pagade, one of the most loved traditional Indian board games in Mysore. This wasn’t just about winning or losing – it was about companionship, teasing, and keeping the couple spark alive. A simple game to “see who is who and more 😉” became a beautiful tradition that many households cherished.

Games as Culture, Not Just Play

For Mysureans, board games are not just entertainment. They are blended into the culture and heritage of the city. These games teach patience, strategy, and togetherness, and they connect generations. From kids learning the rules for the first time to elders recalling stories from epics like the Mahabharata, these games are deeply woven into Mysuru’s identity.

    At Roll the Dice, we are proud to revive these traditional board games and bring them back for the current generation. Our mission is to make sure that the joy of Chowka Bara, Pagade, Aadu Huli and many other games continues to live on in homes, schools, and communities.

You can check out our wide collection of traditional board games and also buy traditional Indian board games at https://rollthedice.in