Bumble study reveals how Hyderabadis are dating this festive season

Colourful lights, chartbuster foot-tapping songs, authentic festival food and beloved sweets, the best of new ethnic dresses–popular festivals are a time when romance is also in the air. Hyderabad is known to foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Being known for its wide range of festivals, the city not only brings communities together but also provides a unique backdrop for modern romance.

Bumble’s new nationwide study* reveals a significant trend of dating during the festivals as 63% of Indians surveyed confess, they will embrace festival dating and want to date someone during this time.

Top festival dating rituals or activities for Hyderabadis:

Foodies in love: Festival dating in Hyderabad is all about culinary adventures together! Per Bumble’s recent study, 30% of people surveyed in Hyderabad claim enjoying authentic festival food with their dates or partners is their favourite festive dating ritual.

Festive Parties: When it comes to celebrating the festivals, 17% of people surveyed in Hyderabad say that hosting or visiting festive parties (Diwali, Christmas, etc.) is their favourite tradition with their partner or a date.

Samarpita Samaddar, India Communications Director, Bumble said, “GenZers and younger Millennials in Hyderabad are open to go beyond antiquated dating norms to explore new connections. Festivals are an exciting time to find a like-minded person you’re looking for, to celebrate traditional ceremonies and create new festive rituals together, explore the city and beyond in a new way with each other and forge deeper, healthy and equitable relationships. Take the time to craft your profile bio to showcase your idea of festive fun, favourite festival destinations you’d like to visit, or even your favourite food that you crave during this festival season. Sharing such common interests can help spark a new connection!”

Festivals can also bring on various familial and societal pressures when it comes to our dating lives and choices. Bumble’s new study found:

32% of people surveyed in Hyderabad claim they feel or have felt pressured to find a date just for the festival season due to FOMO (fear of missing out) as they see their friends with dates or their partners.

29% of people in surveyed Hyderabad feel festivals can get lonely without a date.

30% of people surveyed in Hyderabad claim to feel or have felt more self-conscious about being single during festivals.

28% of people surveyed in Hyderabad claim questions about their dating and relationship status during the festivals make them feel unvalued or unworthy

22% of people in surveyed Hyderabad say they feel or have felt bad for not bringing a significant other to festivities or festival events.  

Further commenting on pressures faced by daters during the festive season, Samaddar shares, “Festivals in India often also bring various pressures such as intrusive questions around one’s dating life or relationship status, or when you plan to get married alongside judgements and single shaming, especially for women. It can feel lonely during the festivals without a date, especially if you’re staying away from your hometown. Know that you’re not the only one who might feel this and it’s absolutely okay to take time for yourself, and focus on yourself! At Bumble, we want to encourage you to date on your own terms and take charge of your dating lives.”

Ruchi Ruuh, Relationship Expert at Bumble, shares tips on festival dating:

First, normalise your feelings: It can feel lonely during the festivals without a partner or a date, especially if you’re staying away from your hometown. It can help to acknowledge that you’re not the only person who’s feeling sad or lonely right now. It’s okay to take time for yourself as you decide on how you and who you want to date.

Stay true to yourself: It's hard not to feel the FOMO when you see your friends with their dates or partners celebrating festivities. Try cutting down on social media use to avoid comparing yourself to others and prompting self-critical thoughts. Don't feel pressured to date, instead consider dating on your own terms and timelines. Choose to date someone only if that person genuinely sparks your interest.

Self-love: Prioritise self-love and self-care during the festive season. Focus on your well-being, you can enjoy the festivities with or without a partner. If you want to enjoy the festive rituals with friends or family, then go for it. You can create your own new ritual this festive season!

Embrace Spontaneity: Be adaptable. Festival plans can be fun when they are spontaneous. Enjoy surprises like a last-minute Diwali party invitation or a pandal hopping plan with your date. Use this time to discover new things about yourself and your date. Being flexible to explore new ideas can be an exciting experience.

Take off the festive pressure, and enjoy dating: All of that joyful festive cheer can sometimes be a bit too much to take in. Dating should be fun! If you have just started dating someone new, it might be tempting to invite them to a Diwali party with your friends. Take the time to ask yourself if you’re comfortable with that. What you should remember is dating during the festive season should empower you to feel confident and comfortable in your decision. Instead of diving into intimate gatherings with friends and relatives with your new date too fast, try planning romantic dates together first to get to know each other better.

*Research Methodology: Commissioned by Bumble and conducted by Censuswide with a sample of 2,003 Indian adults aged 18-40 across gender identities in 10 Indian cities in India between 05.09.2023 – 08.09.2023. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.