Olinda Keli gee

 Many ancient games are played during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Olinda Keliya, fundamentally a board game, is a popular game in the village especially amongst women.

A wooden board known as Olinda Kolombuwa or Olinda Poruwa with several holes is used for the game. Although rules differ according to region, the game is usually played between two players seated on either side of the board, while others cheer and await their turn. Typically there are nine holes on either side of the board, within which four beads each are placed. The beads are Olinda seeds that are found in abundance in villages.

Olinda is a slender creeper, with long, pinnate-leafleted leaves. The fruit is a flat and relatively broad pod with a sharp point that is sparsely covered in hairs and has a rough texture. Over time the brown pods split open and curl back to reveal several oval-shaped olinda seeds. They are bright red in colour with a large black spot. Smooth in texture and glossy in appearance, they generally remain on the plant for several months.

Olinda thibenne

koi koi dese,

Olinda thibenne

Bangali dese..

Genath handanne

koi koi dese,

Genath hadanne

sinhala dese..