Turai Kar, Kashmir's Traditional Game Is Making A Comeback With Usha And MOOL Sustainability

In Kashmir's breathtaking landscape, Usha collaborates with MOOL Sustainability for “Turai Kar”, reviving a traditional game that reflects cultural heritage and ecological wisdom. In the game, players are divided equally into two teams. Each team chooses a tall tree to protect from the opponent. Some players are responsible for taking care of the tree with love and care, while others try to take away that love. The goal of the opposing team is to successfully touch the tree with their hands, at which point the players shout and chant "Turai Kar".

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“The word "Turai Kar" roughly translates to “do your best”. The game is like a thing of the past; almost bygone. The younger generation does not have much idea about it,” said Dr. Shaheena Parveen, Executive Director, MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Centre.

In November 2023, Usha and MOOL together organised “Usha Turai Kar 2023” at Government Boys Higher Secondary School in, Lar, Ganderbal. The event had over two hundred people who gathered to play a traditional game. Turai Kar gives us a glimpse into how people in Kashmir used to have fun and engage socially through recreational activities. It also helped spread ecological wisdom among the communities.

Talking about the partnership with Usha, Dr. Parveen added,

MOOL values local knowledge and wisdom. We try to integrate that traditional wisdom, knowledge and practices into our curriculum and programs. There was a lot of synergy in the idea that Usha had to promote local games, and what MOOL does to rebuild that traditional knowledge. And that synergy helped us get on board and make this event possible.

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Turai Kar becomes more than a game. It unites participants, offering a platform for joy, stress relief, cognitive stimulation and enhanced problem-solving skills. This is also in keeping with Usha's sustainability objective. Through Silai Schools, women are taught to recycle old fabric and here Usha is supporting Turai Kar to increase consciousness about the environment, inculcating love for trees among youth and children and creating a more sustainable society.

Sharing her thoughts on reviving long-lost traditional games with the help of Silai School women, Rupa Tete, Vice President of Usha Social Services, said,

The extensive reach of the Usha Silai School program has led us to unearth many traditional sports. Usha itself has been a great supporter of sports and now, it has also started supporting these rural-traditional sports with the involvement of Usha Silai School women who have come forward not just as participants but also as organisees.

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Women's participation in the game helps them step out of their homes, engage in physical activities, and relive cherished childhood memories. Talking about the same, Shayista Ayoub, Program Coordinator for Usha Silai School in Jammu and Kashmir said,

This activity is helping her take some time out for herself. She can pay attention to her physical health, and it gives her and outlet for mental stress. She can prioritise herself.

Talking about Turai Kar, a game that underlines the message of saving trees, Ms Tete said,

Promoting such sports compels us to revisit our lifestyles and makes us environmentally more conscious and aware.

Thanks to Usha's vision and resilience of Usha Silai School women, these traditional games are reclaiming their place, empowering women across rural India.

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