The once-loved childhood game of Danguli is on the verge of extinction due to the rapid advancement of time and technology. However, a village near Mongla Panchar Island along Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive witnessed a rare sighting of this traditional sport.
For many, childhood memories are incomplete without playing Danguli. This rural game, deeply rooted in Bengali tradition, was once a popular pastime across villages. Back in the day, children spent hours immersed in this engaging activity. Finding someone who grew up in the countryside and hadn’t participated in this activity was challenging.
However, the vibrant sounds of kids playing on open fields have faded with the rise of smartphones and computers. Instead, their focus has shifted to virtual worlds on screens. The once-familiar sight of children playing Danguli on their way home from school or in the middle of fields has now become a rarity.
Though now mostly confined to books as a relic of the past, Danguli carries a rich history. This ancient game is believed to have originated during the Mauryan Empire over 2,500 years ago. Once popular across the Indian subcontinent and other parts of South Asia, Danguli was a beloved sport in many countries.
The disappearance of Danguli is more than just the loss of a game; it’s the fading of a cultural tradition that connected generations. As modern technology reshapes childhood experiences, the echoes of this traditional pastime remind us of simpler times.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
