Chari Revives Village Life in Bahawalpur

Zia UR Rahman

Bahawalpur: As the afternoon sun softens over the villages of Ahmedpur East, time appears to slow. Beneath shady trees and inside quiet deras, routine gives way to laughter and conversation. In these unhurried hours, a centuries-old traditional game—Chari—is finding its way back into daily life, reconnecting generations in Pakistan’s Bahawalpur region and proving that heritage still holds meaning in the modern age.

In the calm stretch after lunch, when work pauses and people sit together, elders and young men gather in Ahmedpur East, a town in Punjab’s Bahawalpur district. What draws them is not a screen or a schedule, but Chari—a traditional game once widely played across Bahawalpur and nearby areas before nearly fading into obscurity.

Played for generations, Chari gradually declined as modern routines reshaped village life. Today, however, it is quietly returning, much like other traditional rural games such as Malan Khara, Gitti Danda, Khido Khundi, Pitthu Garam, Kho Kho and Langri, which older residents recall fondly from their childhood.

Like Chari, Kabaddi has also re-emerged in public interest and is now played as far away as Canada, remaining a popular traditional sport from Lehnda Punjab (Lower Punjab) to Charrhta Punjab (Upper Punjab).

Aslam, a 35-year-old resident of Sheikh Wain village in Hasilpur tehsil, said Chari has deep roots in the area. He told APP that elders once played it regularly before it slowly disappeared. Its return, he added, has revived an afternoon routine people now look forward to each day.

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Khizar, a resident of Dera Bhaka in Bahawalpur, said these gatherings often attract people from surrounding villages as well. Usually, 20 to 35 people attend, he said, though Chari itself is played by four players at a time, with the rest watching closely.

Loud cheering, teasing, clapping and playful remarks turn the match into a lively village event. Elderly men often sit nearby with their huqqas, quietly observing, offering commentary and enjoying the atmosphere.

There is no age limit to playing Chari. Children as young as nine or ten, teenagers, adults and elders all participate. Young players begin by watching elders, then play among their peers. As they gain skill, they naturally move on to games with adults. Players say age is irrelevant as long as one understands the game and has the right temperament.

Even rain does not disrupt the routine. When the ground is wet, players simply shift to a nearby paved area, ensuring the gathering continues. In this way, Chari brings children and elders together, strengthening social bonds and reviving the habit of communal sitting.

The game itself is simple yet deeply engaging. Chari is played using four equal sticks, locally called kana, collectively known as chari. Made from wood or specially prepared bamboo, each stick is crafted to the same size and split lengthwise, creating one semi-rounded side and one flat side.

Points are awarded based on how the sticks land when thrown. If all four land on the opposite side, it is called athi and earns eight points. If all four land flat, it is known as choka and earns four points. Other combinations yield three or two points, keeping the game unpredictable.

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Movement on the board is made using got—small pieces of wood, stone or colourful plastic. Each player’s got is identified by its colour or shape. Much like Ludo, the goal is to move across the drawn boxes and reach home first.

Players say Chari is known by different names and played with slight variations across villages in Pakistan and India. Visually, it resembles traditional board games such as Ludo, Pachisi or Chausar, but instead of dice or cowrie shells, movement depends on the fall of the kana sticks.

The player who finishes first is declared the winner and remains part of the gathering, cheering and adding to the excitement. Those who lose usually accept defeat with smiles, jokes and laughter.

Abdul Samad, a government officer based in Islamabad, told APP that whenever he visits his native village of Faqirwali in Haroonabad tehsil, he heads straight to the dera after lunch. The game, he said, brings friends and elders together, creating a space where conversation flows and elders guide children through shared stories and experience.

According to him, the gathering is about more than play—it reflects culture, harmony and relationships. As rounds end, the space fills with cheers, friendly teasing and shared laughter, enjoyed by players and spectators alike.

In an age dominated by mobile phones and fast-paced routines, Chari offers something increasingly rare—a peaceful pause, reminding people that tradition still lives where laughter, patience and togetherness meet, one afternoon at a time.