A folk game steeped in beliefs

In Nandikeshwar village of Badami taluk, a huge crowd had gathered in an open ground, around people with colourful robes, to witness a unique folk game called modi.

The game is played between two teams. Five blocks are drawn on the ground and various items like lemon, coconut, egg, ash gourd are placed in each block. While one team tries to steal the items, the other team puts in all the efforts to protect them. Each team tries various tricks and pranks to divert the other team’s attention and achieve its target. The actions and reactions that follow amuse the villagers who gather here as audience. 

In front of these five blocks, people place a clay idol of Goddess Durga, worshipped here as Kalamma or Shaktidevi. These modi players of Nandikeshwar village are over 60 years of age. “We have been playing this folk game for the past three decades. Through this, we pray to the almighty for good rains and harvest and thus, ensure happiness and content in the village. It is also believed that by playing this game we can prevent thieves and burglars from entering the village,” says Shivappa Kotekal, a member of the team. The game that was once popular in the region is now fading away into oblivion.