Naino and the Royal Play Fight – A Childhood Tale from Old Hunza
A Glimpse Into Old Hunza’s Childhood Games Long ago, in the rugged beauty of Hunza Valley, life moved to the rhythm of traditions, seasons, and stories that passed from one generation to another. During those times, Hunza followed a kingship system. The king would often ride out with his two bodyguards—one walking on each side—to observe village matters, meet the people, and watch cultural sports. Among the most popular traditional games of the region was Bulla , the local form of hockey. Children and adults alike played it using handmade wooden sticks called finchi , while a small wooden ball called tharii was smacked across open ground. Sometimes Bulla was even played on horseback, raising clouds of dust and laughter in the air. Within this colourful life lived my grandmother, a fearless, lively, and mischievous girl—lovingly called Naino . The Day of the Royal Play One sunny afternoon, all the children of my grandmother’s neighbourhood—boys and girls together—gathered for th...