In Kolkata, where the buzz around Durga Puja is at its peak, 43% of young Gen Z in the city believe that festivals and cultural events are the perfect time to introduce a date or match to their family and friends, keeping it low-pressure.1 Notably, 1 in 3 young singles in the city have used Tinder to find a date during a festival or cultural event, reflecting the city’s enthusiasm for blending tradition with modern dating practices.1
Tinder Matchmaker™, which was introduced last year, supports festive dating by allowing friends and family to recommend potential matches, adding a collaborative and supportive element to the dating process. The feature lets friends and family asynchronously access Tinder to recommend profiles to a user. According to a survey, 37% of Gen Z in India have swiped on dating apps for a friend, and close to a third have had friends swipe for them.2
Joshua Benjamin, a 27-year-old Tinder user from Kolkata, shares his story “During last year’s Durga Pujo, I matched with someone on Tinder who, like me, was excited about the whole Pujo vibes. We decided to do some pandal-hopping together, and what started as a casual plan turned into an unforgettable day. From getting lost in the crowd at Maddox Square to relishing bhog at a neighbourhood pujo, dancing to the dhak beats, and grabbing puchka from the roadside stalls, everything just clicked. It didn’t feel like a ‘first date’—it was more like two people celebrating Kolkata’s biggest festival, no pressure, just the festive magic pulling us together.”
Aditi Shorewal, Communications Lead, Tinder in India, “Festivals in India are a vibrant celebration of connection, and with Tinder Matchmaker™, we’re transforming how friends and family participate in your dating journey. Our data shows that festivals uniquely unite dates and social circles, which are essential in shaping meaningful relationships, so embrace the festive spirit and let your loved ones help you discover your perfect match!”
With Kolkata’s festivities just around the corner, Dr Chandni Tugnait, Dating & Relationship Expert, is teaming up with Tinder in India to share some fresh tips for acing those festive first dates:
- Update Your Profile: Revamp your Tinder with festive pictures in your best traditional gear and fun Ganesh Chaturthi icebreakers.
- Match Over Interests: Use interest tags to find matches that vibe with your hobbies and passions.
- Pick Festive Spots: Hit up lively markets or cafés decked out in festival decorations for a great date atmosphere.
- Dress The Part: Rock an outfit that matches the celebration and shows off your festive spirit.
- Keep It Chill: Soak up the festive fun without stressing about the date’s outcome.
- Savour Local Treats: Share local delicacies to add fun and flavour to your date.
- Consider Group Outings: If nervous, make it a group event and use Tinder Matchmaker™ to get friends involved in finding the right match.
- Be Open and Safe: Embrace new experiences, and use Tinder’s ‘Share My Date‘ feature to ensure safety while enjoying the festivities.
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