Traditional Games of Bhutan

Overview

Bhutan has a rich tradition of outdoor games played during festivals, community gatherings, and social celebrations. These games — alongside the national sport of archery — are integral to Bhutanese social life, combining physical competition with festive singing, dancing, and camaraderie.^[1]

Khuru (Darts)

Khuru is one of Bhutan's most popular traditional games, often played alongside archery tournaments and during festivals. Heavy wooden darts tipped with a 10-centimetre (3.9-inch) nail are thrown at a paperback-sized target placed 10 to 20 metres away.^[2] Teams of 8 to 12 players compete, scoring one point each time a player strikes the target. Like archery, khuru matches are accompanied by celebratory songs and dances.^[1]

Digor

Digor is a game resembling a combination of shot put, horseshoes, and pétanque. Players hurl pairs of spherical, flat stones at two target pegs fixed in the ground approximately 20 metres apart. It can be played one-on-one or in teams of up to seven players.^[2]

Soksom

Soksom, akin to the javelin throw, involves throwing a javelin-like implement at a target 20 metres away.^[2]

Pundo

Pundo most closely resembles shot put. Players throw a stone weighing over one kilogram as far as possible, with the throwing movement originating from the shoulder and the stone held flat in the hand.^[2]

Cultural Context

These games are typically played during tshechus and other festivals, accompanied by food, drink, and music. The festive atmosphere distinguishes Bhutanese traditional sports from their international equivalents — competition and celebration are inseparable.^[1]