Traditional Indian street game
Gilli Danda (Tip-Cat)
Gilli Danda is played with two sticks: a short gilli, tapered at both ends, and a long danda to strike it. It is played across India, wherever there is open ground.
Play Gilli Danda free on Google PlayHow it's played on the street
Dig a small groove in the ground and lay the gilli across it.
The striker flicks the gilli up and away with the danda. If a fielder catches it in the air, the striker is out.
If it is not caught, the danda is laid across the groove and a fielder throws the gilli back at it. Hitting the danda puts the striker out.
Otherwise the striker taps one tapered end of the gilli so it jumps up, then hits it as far as possible while it is in the air.
Most games allow three tries at the jumping gilli. Miss all three and the turn is over.
The distance from the groove is counted in danda lengths, and that is the striker's score.
Other names
- Kitti Pullu Tamil
- Chinni Dandu Telugu
- Kuttiyum Kolum Malayalam
- Viti Dandu Marathi
- Gooti Billa
- Tip-cat English
How it plays in Vilayo
Tip the gilli up and strike it far across the temple ground. Like every game in Vilayo, it is built in real 3D, and the touch controls do what your hands would do on the street.
Levels are short, and each one gives up to three stars. Easy, Medium and Hard tiers bring new grounds and harder challenges, and the whole game plays offline.
Questions about Gilli Danda
Is Gilli Danda like cricket?
It has a striker and fielders, and many people call it a street cousin of cricket. But there is no ball and no bowler: the striker sets the gilli flying alone.
How long are the sticks?
The danda is about two feet long and the gilli a few inches, both cut from hard wood.
Can I play Gilli Danda on my phone?
Yes. Gilli Danda is one of the 12 games in Vilayo, free on Android. It plays offline, in English, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada.
More street games
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Lagori
Dice Race
Dhaayam