In Pune, Megha Bhat, aged 59, visits her childhood friend's house on quiet afternoons to play Mahjong. The game involves selecting tiles and forming matching sequences, accompanied by tea, coffee, and snacks. Believed to have originated in 19th century China, Mahjong has recently gained popularity in the city. Megha mentioned a thriving Mahjong community in Pune, with dedicated players enjoying daily games. Another enthusiast, Vineeta Sahni from Delhi, shared her experience of learning Mahjong 25 years ago and highlighted its evolution. Mahjong, a game of skill and strategy, is now a common fixture at family gatherings and social clubs. Similar to the card game rummy, Mahjong uses a set of 144 tiles featuring Chinese characters and symbols. The objective is to create a complete hand with melds and pairs, with rules varying across regions and formats. Sangeeta Kewalramani from Mumbai, who has been playing Mahjong for 16 years and teaching for five years, emphasized that a ten-session module is sufficient for beginners to grasp the basics of the game."The game of Mahjong is essentially the same worldwide, but each country has adapted it to their preferences. I also instruct my students on how to calculate scores," she explained. Depending on the table rules, some players treat Mahjong as a social gambling activity where payouts are determined by the final scores. However, the majority of individuals play Mahjong purely for enjoyment.
Sharon Dhondy, a fellow Mahjong enthusiast and teacher, frequents popular family clubs in Mumbai such as Willingdon Sports Club and CCI. "Mahjong is not a complicated game; it doesn't require intense concentration or deep thinking. It's both challenging and enjoyable, making it suitable for all age groups," she remarked.
In addition to the traditional Chinese style, there is also an American variant of Mahjong. While some opt for multiplayer online versions, the offline game has surged in popularity. A typical Mahjong set can cost between Rs 12,000 and Rs 14,000, with racks priced at Rs 8,000-10,000. "The costs are usually divided among the four players, making it affordable for regular players," Dhondy noted.
Many enthusiasts find Mahjong addictively enjoyable, citing its ability to impart valuable life skills such as patience, integrity, and the ability to navigate chaos. A standard game session comprising three to four rounds generally lasts about 2-2.5 hours, contingent on players' age and playing speed. "Mahjong isn't just a game for the elderly, nor is it exclusively for women. It's a hit at our family gatherings, and everyone relishes playing it. Perhaps board games are often linked with older generations, which may explain the perception," a Mahjong player from Pune shared.
