Oonch Neech facts for kids

Oonch Neech, also known as Oonch Neech ka Papada, is a fun outdoor game. It's a type of Tag game that kids play in the streets. You can find this game played in North India and Pakistan. The words "Oonch Neech" come from Hindi and mean "Up and Down" in English.

What is Oonch Neech?

Oonch Neech is a game where players try to avoid being tagged. One person is the "catcher" or "Danner." The game uses different levels of ground. Players must quickly move between high and low spots. This helps them stay safe from the Danner.

How to Play Oonch Neech

First, you need at least four players to start the game. You also need a place with different ground levels. A park with a jogging path or a sidewalk next to grass is perfect. These areas have both high (Oonch) and low (Neech) surfaces.

To begin, players decide who will be the Danner. This is often done with a quick counting game. Once the Danner is chosen, the other players ask them a question. They say, "Oonch neech ka papada—Oonch mangi ki neech?" This means, "Do you want the upper level or the lower level?"

The Danner then chooses either "Oonch" (up) or "Neech" (down).

• If the Danner chooses Oonch, they must stay on high ground. They cannot step on the low ground. All other players must stay on the low ground. If a player steps on high ground, the Danner can tag them.
• If the Danner chooses Neech, they must stay on low ground. They cannot step on high ground. All other players must stay on the high ground. If a player steps on low ground, the Danner can tag them.

The goal for the Danner is to tag another player. The goal for the other players is to avoid being tagged. If the Danner tags someone, that person becomes the new Danner for the next round. Players often tease the Danner by saying things like "We're in your area, catch us!"

Game Terms You'll Hear

• Oonch: This word means "up" or "high." In the game, it refers to any area that is higher than the ground. This could be a footpath, a raised platform, or even a small hill.
• Neech: This word means "down" or "low." In the game, it refers to the ground level. This is the main playing area where most of the running happens.
• Danner: This is the person who is "it" or the catcher. Their job is to chase and tag the other players.

Different Names for the Game

This fun game is played in many places, and it has different names.

• In Andhra Pradesh, a state in India, this game was called Nela Banda. "Nela Banda" means "ground stone" in Telugu. Sadly, this version of the game is not played much anymore. Cities have grown, and new games have become popular.
• In Maharashtra, another Indian state, the game is known as Dagad ka Maati. This name comes from the Marathi language. It literally means "Stone or Sand." When players ask the Danner to choose, they might say a special poem in Marathi:

"Kora Kagad Nili Shai, Amhi Kunala Bhet Nahi. Sanga Tumcha Nav Kay, Dagad Ka Maati?" This translates to: "White paper, blue ink, we are not afraid of anyone. Tell us your name, Stone or Sand?"