What is posham pa?

Posham Pa: A Children's Game

Posham Pa is a popular children's game played in India. It is enjoyed across different regions with slight variations in the lyrics and gameplay.

  • Gameplay: The game generally involves two children acting as a 'bridge' or 'gate', holding hands and raising their arms. Other children pass under this bridge while singing a rhyme.

  • The Rhyme: The most common rhyme is "Posham Pa bhai Posham Pa, Daaku Kitne Aadmi Laaya?" The exact wording can vary regionally. The children acting as the bridge secretly decide on a "good" and "bad" attribute (e.g., color, fruit, or action).

  • The Catch: After the song ends, the bridge children catch one of the children passing underneath. They then whisper in the caught child's ear, asking them to choose between the two attributes. Depending on the choice, the child is either "saved" or "taken away," often symbolizing joining one of the two sides.

  • Ending: The game continues until all children have been chosen, or a predetermined number of rounds have been played.

  • Variations: There are numerous local variations in the rhymes, actions, and rules of Posham Pa. Some versions involve guessing the attributes before choosing, while others involve more elaborate actions or consequences.

  • Significance: Posham Pa is more than just a game; it helps children develop social skills, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. It also preserves cultural traditions through the singing of traditional rhymes.