A burst of laughter erupts from a corner of a cafe in Visakhapatnam. At another table, a group of strangers huddles over colourful cards, debating their next move. Across the room, players are trying to decipher clues while someone dramatically accuses another of being a ‘werewolf’. For three hours on a weekend evening, screens are forgotten and conversations take centre stage.
This is a typical gathering of Bond Over Board, a community-driven board gaming initiative that is steadily building a following in the city.
Started by freelance graphic designer Kanupriya Mimani, Bond Over Board began as a personal attempt to reconnect with a childhood passion and create a space to unwind from the demands of work.
“Board games have always been my happy place. I started Bond Over Board to take a break from my busy work life and spend weekends doing something I genuinely enjoy,” says Kanupriya.
When she launched the initiative last year, awareness about modern board games and community gaming events in Visakhapatnam was limited. Things have changed considerably since then.
“Since November and December last year, Vizag has seen a rise in community events. People are actively looking for ways to network, make friends and explore hobbies outside work. That openness has helped our community grow,” she says.
Today, Bond Over Board hosts intimate gaming sessions with about 20 participants, ensuring everyone gets a chance to learn and engage. Assisted by her elder brother Yashwant Mimani and friend Arvind Agarwal, Kanupriya curates and manages a collection of more than 40 games, including puzzles.
Participants during a session of Bond over Board, group that promotes board games, in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu
The three-hour sessions begin by dividing participants into smaller groups of four to six players. The lineup includes quick party games, cooperative challenges and strategic board games catering to different skill levels.
“We start with games that are easy to learn and fun to play. Towards the end, everyone comes together for Werewolf, a social deduction game that encourages communication and interaction among all participants,” she explains.
As more attendees return for repeat sessions, the collection has evolved. Strategic titles such as Stratego, Bohnanza, Project L and Sagrada have been added to offer deeper gaming experiences.
Despite the growing library, Kanupriya admits she has a favourite.
“Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is my go-to game. It’s fast-paced, simple and always gets people laughing. It instantly lightens the mood,” she says.
One of the biggest draws of Bond Over Board is the variety of experiences packed into a single evening. While some games are designed to spark laughter and break the ice, others challenge players to think strategically, negotiate and collaborate. A crowd favourite is Codenames, a word association game where teammates work together to uncover secret identities using carefully chosen clues. The game often leads to spirited discussions and unexpected interpretations. Another popular title is Dixit, which encourages players to tap into their imagination through storytelling and visual clues, making it a hit among both first-time gamers and seasoned players.
What makes the gatherings particularly unique is the diverse mix of people around the table. Teenagers looking for a fun weekend activity, professionals in their 20s seeking to expand their social circles and senior professionals in their 40s and 50s looking to disconnect from work pressures often find themselves playing side by side. Age quickly becomes irrelevant as players immerse themselves in the games.
“We’ve had students, software engineers, entrepreneurs, doctors and corporate professionals join us. It’s amazing to see how a board game can break barriers and get people talking within minutes,” says Kanupriya. The shared experience of learning new games, solving challenges together and laughing over unexpected twists has helped create a welcoming community that continues to attract newcomers while encouraging regulars to return.
For many participants, the appeal extends beyond the games themselves.
“I came alone for my first session and was nervous. Within half an hour, I was talking and laughing with people I had never met before,” says software professional Sai Teja.
“It’s refreshing to spend an evening without scrolling through your phone. The games naturally bring people together,” adds participant Meghana Rao.
To participate in a board game session, connect with the group in their Instagram handle @bond_over_board.
Published – June 11, 2026 09:47 am IST
