Oonch Neech is a traditional game of India. It is also known as Oonch Neech ka Papada. This game is popular amongst the rural and urban street children. This game is known by different names in different regions. The kids of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh play it in the names of Kumir Daanga and Nela Banda respectively. However due to urbanization and western influence, the game is now extinct in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Etymology of Oonch Neech
Oonch Neech is a Hindi name and its literal meaning in English is Up and Down. In the game, the term "Oonch" signifies an area higher than the ground level or simply Upper Level. And "Neech" symbolizes the ground area or the lower surface area or simply Lower Level.
Things Required to Play Oonch Neech
•A place where there is foot path or jogging lane or some surface higher than the level of grass.
•Four or more kids.
Rules and Regulations of Playing Oonch Neech
•One player is chosen as the denner or catcher.
•Once the catcher is selected he is being questioned by other players "oonch neech ka papda, oonch maangi neech." This Hindi phrase means whether he chooses Upper Level or Lower Level.
•If the catcher chooses upper level then other players quickly move to the lower level and vice versa. Once the catcher chooses oonch, he should not step on neech by any means and on the other hand, he will not let other players to step on his ground. Usually, he chooses lower area, so as to move and have fun.
•The catcher now has to catch the players who are in his area.
•The players will have to move constantly in his area. As per rule, they cannot stand in the same position for more than a specified time.
•The player who is caught by the catcher becomes the next catcher or denner and the game continues.
Benefits of Playing Oonch Neech
•It provides a platform for social interaction among children of the same age group.
•It encourages children to learn team work.
•It teaches them to be more alert and confident.
