File:Children play Gauchali game.jpg

English: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. Being the capital of the country, it has become the center of the political development of the whole country. The lifestyle of people is found different in Kathmandu and the rest of the country. However, with the popularity of modern technology like the internet, television and smartphones, even in rural areas, a change in the daily lifestyle of people is seen. On the other hand, there is not plenty of open spaces for playing games. In this scenario, children, not only in the cities but also in rural areas are forgetting their local games. “Gauchali” is one of the games which has almost been forgotten as the generation is passing by. Before 30 to 40 years ago, “Gauchali” was one of the most popular games among children and adults, especially in the northern part of Kathmandu, specially while taking the animals for grazing. According to the locals, at that time, whenever the children and adults had free time, they enjoyed playing “Gauchali”. It was a popular game as it was easy to get the playing materials, the rules were flexible and easy, there was no time boundary and it was funny as well as tricky. In this game, two main players are involved. The other two players are supporters of each player. 35 marbles and 5 bowls are needed for each player. Small pieces of stone (Gatta) can also be used in place of marbles and small holes can be dug or circles can be made if bowls are not available. At first, 7 marbles are kept in each bowl or hole. The coin is tossed to decide the first player. (Traditionally, coin tossing is known as “Gai ki Trishul”). The first player takes all marbles from any bowl and then starts to one marble from right to left. He or She goes up to the 7th bowl. He or She leaves the 8th bowl and takes all the marbles from the 9th bowl. Now the 2nd player also does the same. He or she takes all marbles from any bowl, starts to add one-one marble in other bowls, leaves the 8th bowl and takes all the marbles from the 9th bowl. The game continues until all the marbles are finished. The one with more marbles is declared the winner.