Modern dating: Survey finds 63% of Indians open to 'festival dating' trend

A new romantic trend has taken center stage, capturing the hearts of Gen Z and millennials, festival dating.

A nationwide survey conducted by the popular dating app Bumble has revealed the escalating popularity of festival dating in India. A remarkable 63 per cent of surveyed Indians have expressed their interest in the concept of ‘festival dating’, indicating a desire to find a romantic connection during this festive season.

So, what is festival dating?

As the term suggests, festival dating revolves around seeking a romantic connection amidst the celebratory spirit of the festive season. It's a time when many individuals yearn to share the joyous moments with a special someone by their side. However, the nature and pace of these romantic connections can greatly vary from person to person.

This trend has emerged from the sight of other couples reveling in the festivities and sharing their moments on social platforms, which can sometimes evoke a sense of loneliness or self-consciousness in singles. Festivals also bring forth certain societal and familial expectations, which can impact a person’s dating life.

The survey unveiled that 30 per cent of Indians admitted to experiencing moments of self-consciousness about their single status during this season, while 32 per cent confessed to feeling a sense of lonesomeness without a date or partner to share the festivals with.

Interestingly, this sentiment resonates more with millennials, with 32 percent acknowledging these feelings, compared to Gen Zers at 28 per cent.

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