Watch Jyotiraditya Scindia, union aviation minister, play 'Gilli Danda'

Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia today shared a video playing gilli danda, a local sport widely played in rural India. Sharing a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Scindhia said he enjoyed playing the sport and people should also try it.

"Played a lot of cricket, today I had a lot of fun playing gilli danda. You all also try it and tell me, did you hit the gilli or not?

This is not the first time when he tried his hands with Gilli Danda, Last year, Scindia was seen engaging in traditional games such as Gilli-danda and archery at the Sansad Khel Mahotsav (Member of Parliament Sports Festival) in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur. The festival included traditional sports like Gilli-Danda, Kancha, archery, and Lattu.


During his participation, Scindia emphasized the significance of traditional sports in inspiring sports enthusiasts.

The Union minister also shared memories of his father's participation in the Sports Festival in Jabalpur, expressing confidence that many emerging sports talents, or "Khel Ratnas," would emerge from the event. Scindia mentioned that the festival, starting on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, would conclude on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary.

Gilli Danda, a traditional sport deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of India, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Originating in rural India, this game has been played for generations, captivating players of all ages with its simplicity and excitement.

The game involves two main components: the "gilli" and the "danda." The gilli is a small, cylindrical wooden piece, while the danda is a longer stick used as a bat. The objective is straightforward yet requires skill and precision. One player balances the gilli on a small stone or a mound of earth, and the other uses the danda to hit the gilli into the air. The hitter then attempts to strike the gilli as far as possible, while the opposing player strives to catch it or retrieve it quickly.

Often played in open spaces, streets, or fields, the game fosters camaraderie and friendly competition. It's not uncommon to see children, teenagers, and even adults participating in this game.

The sport has variations across different regions of India, with local rules and adaptations adding unique flavors to the gameplay.