From Nostalgia to New Memories: Rediscovering Indian Board Game

There was a time when evenings meant gathering around a board game with siblings, cousins, parents and grandparents. There were no screens demanding attention—just a game spread across the floor, a handful of coins, plenty of laughter and the excitement of planning the next move.

For many of us, Indian board games are more than games. They bring back memories of childhood holidays, family gatherings, friendly competition and moments spent learning from one another.

Today, these games have an opportunity to create something equally meaningful: new memories for a new generation.

The Joy of Indian Board Games

India has a fascinating culture of board games that goes far beyond entertainment. Games such as Ashta Chamma, Pachisi, Vamanaguntalu (Mancala), Paramapada Sopanam and Daadi have been enjoyed across generations.

While the names, materials and ways of playing may differ from region to region, these games have one thing in common—they bring people together.

A child may see a board and a set of playing pieces, while a parent or grandparent may see a familiar piece of childhood. When they sit down to play together, the game becomes a bridge between generations.

From Nostalgia to New Memories

Nostalgia makes us remember the happiness of the past, but rediscovering Indian board games is not only about looking back.

It is about taking something meaningful from our childhood and giving today's children an opportunity to experience it in their own way.

The same game that grandparents once played with friends can now become a weekend activity between grandparents and grandchildren. A game parents remember from summer holidays can become part of their children's family game night.

The board may be familiar, but every new game creates a completely new story.

More Than Just Play

One of the beautiful things about board games is how naturally children learn while playing.

Depending on the game, children practise logical thinking, analytical thinking, counting, observation, planning, patience, strategy and decision-making. They learn to think before making a move, understand consequences, adapt when a plan changes and accept both winning and losing.

These are valuable skills, but to a child, it still feels like play.

That is what makes board games such an engaging form of learning.

A Meaningful Break from Screens

Screens have become a regular part of modern life, from learning and communication to entertainment. Finding enjoyable activities away from screens can therefore be valuable for families.

Indian board games offer a simple way to create screen-free family time.

Instead of everyone being occupied by separate devices, players sit together, communicate, observe one another and participate in the same experience.

A board game can turn an ordinary evening into a moment of connection.

Different Games, Different Ways to Think

Every Indian board game offers a different experience.

Ashta Chamma encourages players to plan their movements and make thoughtful decisions.

Pachisi combines movement, strategy and anticipation, encouraging players to think about both their own progress and their opponents' moves.

Vamanaguntalu (Mancala) introduces counting, observation and forward planning through its distinctive pit-and-counter gameplay.

Daadi challenges players to think strategically while forming patterns and anticipating an opponent's next move.

Paramapada Sopanam brings together play, patience and the experience of navigating progress and setbacks.

Other games such as Deers & Leopards, Surakarta and Chakravyuham introduce children and families to different styles of strategy, problem-solving and decision-making.

Together, these games show just how diverse Indian board-game culture can be.

Games That Bring Generations Together

One of the greatest strengths of classic board games is that they do not belong to only one generation.

Parents can teach children. Grandparents can share the games they remember. Siblings can challenge each other. Friends can discover a game they have never played before.

Along the way come conversations, laughter, competition and stories.

Children are not simply learning how to play a game—they are participating in an experience that can become part of their own childhood memories.

Choosing More Thoughtful Materials

Rediscovering classic games can also encourage us to think about how the games we bring home are made.

At Enchantoys, we explore materials such as cloth and wood across our game collection, creating games that feel tactile and enjoyable to play while offering alternatives to heavily plastic-based play products.

Thoughtfully made games can be played repeatedly, shared with others and become familiar objects that families return to over time.

Why Enchantoys?

Enchantoys brings classic Indian board games to today's generation through thoughtfully designed games inspired by India's rich gaming heritage.

Our purpose goes beyond recreating games from the past. We want children and families to experience the joy, curiosity and connection that come from sitting together and playing.

From games of strategy and logical thinking to games that encourage patience, observation and decision-making, the Enchantoys collection is designed to make meaningful play part of modern family life.

Our games also make thoughtful gifting choices for families looking for something that combines play, learning, nostalgia and Indian heritage.

Keep the Game Going

Some childhood memories stay with us because they were simple.

A familiar board.
A few playing pieces.
Family sitting together.
Someone celebrating a clever move.
Someone asking for just one more round.

Indian board games remind us that meaningful play does not have to be complicated.

By bringing these games back into our homes, we are not simply rediscovering the past. We are giving another generation the opportunity to create memories of its own.

With Enchantoys, every move can connect a memory from yesterday with a moment being created today.