Kho-Kho, Kanche & ‘Daadi Amma’ bring generations together at Akl event

Families from across Auckland gathered at the Fickling Convention Centre in Three Kings on June 7 for Generations in Play: Reviving Traditional Indian Games & Stories, a community event aimed at strengthening intergenerational connections through culture, storytelling and traditional games.

Hosted by Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust with support from Welcoming Communities and the Puketāpapa Local Board, the programme brought together grandparents, parents and children for a day of shared activities celebrating Indian heritage.

The event opened with the Indian National Anthem and a prayer, setting a respectful tone for the day. Grandparents shared stories and memories from their childhoods, giving younger attendees an insight into the traditions, experiences and values that shaped earlier generations.

Children also took centre stage, performing an enactment of the classic story The Monkey and the Crocodile, which drew engagement from families attending the event.

A series of cultural activities encouraged participants to learn from one another. During stitching and embroidery sessions, grandparents demonstrated skills they had learned in their youth, while children had the opportunity to try traditional crafts for themselves. Henna art sessions also proved popular, with people of all ages taking part.

Photo: Supplied

Traditional Indian games formed a major part of the programme. Grandparents introduced younger generations to games they played growing up, including Kho-Kho, Kanche (marbles) and Stapoo (hopscotch). The activities created opportunities for families to interact, share experiences and learn about cultural traditions in an informal setting.

One of the highlights of the day was a joint performance by grandmothers and grandchildren, who performed to the famous  song 'Daadi Amma Daadi Amma Maan Jao', earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Organisers said the event highlighted the importance of preserving cultural traditions and creating opportunities for meaningful interaction between generations at a time when digital entertainment often dominates family leisure time.

The programme concluded with refreshments, photographs and conversations among participants, bringing the day to a close on a celebratory note.

Photo: Supplied

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust thanked Welcoming Communities, the Puketāpapa Local Board, volunteers, families and community members for supporting the event and helping make it a success. Through storytelling, traditional games and cultural activities, Generations in Play sought to encourage stronger family connections while keeping cultural traditions alive for future generations.