Many ancient games are played during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and the Olinda Keliya, a board game, is a popular game especially among girls and women. It is generally played accompanied by a song.
A wooden board known as the 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.
The players must shift the beads from one hole to the other and collect the seeds found in the hole immediately. One gets the hang of it while playing with onlookers shouting out directions. Ultimately the player who has the most amount of Olinda beads is the winner.
The Olinda Kolumbuwa is a board made of ebony or mahogany or a similar wood with beautiful carvings that displays the creativity of Sri Lankan wood carvers of yore, Most boards are supposed to have been designed during the Kandyan period.
A large collection is also displayed at the Colombo Museum.
The shiny little red and black bead is the Olinda seed. In English it is commonly known as Crab’s eye, The Olinda seed is also called Jequirity, Rosary Pea or Indian Liquorice.
Olinda seeds are oval-shaped olin and 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.