Why the need for reviving traditional Board Games?

In today’s hyper-connected world, mindfulness often feels like something we have to schedule—an app, a course, a reminder. But in the past, mindfulness was woven into our games, mainly traditional games like Peg Solitaire and culturally rooted games such as Katra or Fanorona from Madagascar.

Take Peg Solitaire, for example. Played solo on a quiet wooden board, the objective is simple: clear all pegs but one by jumping over them. There’s no timer, buzz, or distractions—just you, your strategy, and your patience. It's a form of active meditation, requiring focus, reflection, and presence in every move.

In Madagascar, traditional games like Katra (a type of Mancala) and Fanorona are cerebral and communal. Whether you use tamarind seeds to count and capture in Katra or anticipate moves across a patterned Fanorona board, these games sharpen attention, build pattern recognition, and foster respectful, face-to-face interaction—a rare gift in our digital age.

What makes these games so valuable is not just their strategic depth but also the slow, intentional way they are played. They encourage mental agility, emotional regulation, and a sense of grounding that digital games often lack. They also act as bridges to cultural identity, passing down values, stories, and traditions through the simple act of play.

When we revive traditional games, we don’t just revisit old entertainment—we reclaim mindful rituals that help us slow down and reconnect. Peg Solitaire isn't just a puzzle, and Katra isn't just a pastime. They're anchors for thoughtful play in a world that rarely pauses.