Sharvani ChandvaleGoa Games
The traditional Goa games – a carefully guarded, incredibly fun and slowly disappearing piece of the state’s narrative continue to evoke nostalgia amongst its elders. Think about how you’d feel if you found that tattered cricket bat or the marbles you would play with as a child. As children without mobile phones or even TV screens, Goans have grown up having fun with what they have. There is a chance that most of the Gen-Z won’t know about it, but the Goan games were a great way to bond, connect, move, compete, and spend time outdoors.
So if you are planning your Goa travel with family, visiting Goa with kids or looking to plan a Goa team outing, then there is nothing better than the Traditional Goa Games Experience with Soul Travelling.
Why should I plan the Traditional Goa Games Event with Soul Travelling?
The Goan games were created by kids from the resources available to them. They are simple yet fun. You get to compete with your people, spend time outdoors and take a break from the screens. This is one of the most family-friendly events for people visiting Goa with kids. What’s more? If you are planning a corporate team outing, the traditional Goa Games event can be tweaked to enhance team-building along with added benefits such as increased motivation, better mood and improved interpersonal relationships. If this is not enough, each Goan game tells a story about Goa and how the lad contributed to its creation. Don’t believe us?
Some of Soul Travelling’s favourite Goa Games:
Logorio
From almost being wiped out, to being adored, Logorio easily became one of the most loved traditional games of Goa at the Soul Travelling events. This simple but thrilling game was created from the excess of coconut shells found in almost every Goan home. All you need are 7 shells and a tennis ball and you’re good to go. The Lagorio game rules are as follows: The shells are piled over each other. Once that’s done, one team will continue breaking the stack, while the other team tries to rebuild it. The goal is to either catch out the team rebuilding or rebuild the stack. Whichever succeeds, wins. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, right? (If you’ve played 7 tiles as a child, this will make you nostalgic for sure).
Mithaani
Goa is known for its salt pans and it’s no surprise that a game was created around these. So if you are looking for North Goa group activities, Mithaani can be one. The salt pan workers usually live in and around these regions. So, the curious kids of these saltmakers came up with a fun game idea – Mithaani! This Goan traditional game uses mith i.e. salt as its main object of play. The kids design a complicated grid, run across it to collect salt, and then come back. Whoever has the highest salt, wins! At Soul Travelling, we replace the salt with other objects to make the gameplay more convenient and to reduce the wastage of this food item. It brings out your competitive enthusiasm and makes for a perfect sport to play with your team members on a Goa team outing.
Fatraani
Fatraani, a Goan game, is an intriguing sitting game that can be played with a simple setup of a table and a handful of stones. Ideal for a family outing or a team-building activity, this game involves each player taking turns to skillfully handle 5-6 stones. The player picks up one stone and tosses it in the air. While it’s airborne, they quickly gather the fallen stones from the table and catch the thrown one. Each round increases in difficulty, as players must pick up an additional stone. The excitement builds as each participant strives to play the longest without dropping the stones. Fatrani not only encourages concentration and dexterity but also fosters a fun, competitive spirit among team members, making it a perfect game for team retreats.
Goffin
Amongst all the group activities in Goa, the Games of Goa are the most fun (and sustainable). One such game is Goffin – often found in Goan fairs – an engaging game involving an air gun and peas. Participants in this game take turns using the ‘goffin’ to shoot at targets, usually bottles, within a set time limit. Each successful hit scores points. This traditional game of Goa is an excellent activity for family outings in Goa with kids or team-building events, as it challenges players’ precision and focus under pressure. The thrill of competing to get the most hits within the time frame creates an energetic atmosphere, ideal for bonding and enhancing team cohesion in a fun and playful setting.
Ringaani
Ringaani is a Goan traditional game commonly played at fairs in the Goan temples. That said, this can also be one of the best South Goa group activities. Participants are given 10 rings to throw at various items arranged on a table. The aim is to loop the rings over the items, with each successful throw earning points. With a time limit to add to the challenge, Ringaani becomes a test of accuracy and timing. It’s a fantastic game for families and teams in Goa, as it not only provides entertainment but also encourages healthy competition and skilful coordination. The collective excitement and cheer when a ring successfully lands make it an excellent choice for group outings in Goa, promoting unity and shared joy.
Lemon and Spoons
Lemon and Spoons is a beloved game in Goa, perfect for larger groups and team-building activities. In this lively race, teams are formed, and each participant is given a spoon to hold in their mouth, balancing a lemon on it. The objective is simple yet challenging: complete the race without letting the lemon fall. This traditional game of Goa is not only amusing but also a great exercise in concentration and balance. It fosters team spirit, as participants cheer each other on, and creates a light-hearted environment ideal for corporate retreats or family gatherings in Goa.
Aate Race
The Aate Race is a unique Goan game involving a stick and a metal ring. Players must guide the ring along a course using only the stick, without employing their hands. This game tests participants’ control and precision, making it an intriguing and challenging activity for both family outings in Goa and team-building exercises. It encourages focus and patience and provides an excellent opportunity for teams to engage in a non-traditional, skill-based competition, fostering a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among players. So if you are looking at group activities in Goa, then add this one to your list.
Khambyaani
Khambyaani is an exciting traditional Goan game that combines the thrill of chase with strategic thinking. Each player, except for the ‘chaser’, must hug trees or pillars to stay safe. The chaser’s goal is to tag the other players, who must dash between trees without getting caught. This game is ideal for corporate outings in Goa or family vacations to Goa with kids, as it encourages physical activity, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making. The playful nature of Khambyani makes it an enjoyable and engaging way to enhance teamwork, communication, and trust among team members or family, creating lasting memories in the beautiful setting of Goa.
If you are planning to travel to Goa and looking for Goa group activities for couples, Goa group activities for adults or Goa group activities for friends, plan a day with the Games of Goa. The Soul Travelling team carefully assesses your requirements and plans an event just for you. Spend a day outdoors with your family or team members, get into healthy competition and indulge in this unique side of Goa.
Have any questions? Send us a message on +919529490245
FAQs About the Traditional Goa Games
What are the best traditional Goa Games?
Logorio, Ringaani, Fatraani are some of the best games in Goa.
How can the traditional Goa games help in a corporate retreat?
The traditional Goa Games can help in team building by providing a healthy competitive environment to team members. It can create space for collaboration, delegation, planning, strategy, teamwork, coordination and bonding outside of an office.
Are traditional Goa Games a kid-friendly activity?
Yes! The traditional Goan Games are perfect for kids as they are engaging, competitive and easy to follow.
What are some fun activities in Goa for groups?
If you are looking for fun group activities in Goa, then consider the following: Games of Goa, heritage tours in Goa, treks in Goa, secret food trails in Goa, cycling in Goa and group walking tours in Goa.
