Lathi Khela (Bangladeshi Stick Fighting)
L
PLAYERS
2+
DIFFICULTY
SETTING
Outdoor
MATERIALS
- A bamboo or wooden lathi (long stick) per player
HOW TO PLAY
1
Two players face off holding their lathis with both hands, ready in a guarded stance.
2
Practiced strikes, blocks, and spins with the stick are performed to the rhythm of accompanying drumming.
3
Players demonstrate skill through controlled twirls, feints, and clean parries rather than aiming to injure a partner.
4
A bout can be scored on style and technique by watching elders, or practiced simply as a display performance.
5
Group routines sometimes have several pairs performing choreographed sequences at once for a festival crowd.
6
The session ends with players saluting their partner and lowering their sticks together.