Festivals is the New Dating Litmus Test: 2 in 5 Daters Reveal They See These Festivities as a Test of Cultural Compatibility

Festivals in India have always been about community and celebrations, but now they are also serving as a litmus test for dating compatibility. According to a survey by India’s most popular dating app, QuackQuack, 2 in 5 singles use Navratri and Durga Pujo as a measuring tape for cultural alignment. These festivals are not just festive, but also an important checkpoint to assess whether a potential match can vibe with them, as well as their traditions, values, beliefs, and, of course, family expectations.

The survey was conducted among 11,000 people across the country, from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. Participants, between 20 and 35, were randomly selected from various educational and professional fields to gain an overall understanding of the significance of these festivals in users’ dating choices.

QuackQuack’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, “We run these surveys every year to enhance and update our platform according to consumer dating behaviour, and every year we note the festivities becoming a little more vital for daters as a deciding factor. In the online dating world, it’s not just garba nights or pandal hopping; these nine days are the ultimate filter for shared values, respect, and love.”

Festivals: a compatibility filter

Nearly 32% of daters from metros and suburbs revealed that they silently judge their match based on how they celebrate and approach cultural festivals. 44% of active daters between 22 and 28 explained that a match who is too indifferent about these festivities is a no-go for them; for 4 in 5 of these respondents, it’s not about the religious belief but rather the lack of sentimentality. 29 year old software engineer from Kolkata, Tuhina said, “It might seem petty, but I won’t date someone who doesn’t share the same love for Pujo the way I do. I mean, what if he doesn’t care about coming home for the celebrations? No, that’s not someone I wanna date.”

Fasting, feasting, and food compatibilities

Different parts of India follow different eating habits during these days of festivities, and a huge divide among daters is noticed based on just that one choice. 16% of people who fast called it a dealbreaker to date someone who chooses to feast on these days. Whereas, over 31% of daters who commented the same last year changed their stance and also disclosed learning about cultural differences across the country, and how feasting is a big part of celebrations in several places.

However, 37% of men and women clearly stated that they would never connect with someone who mocked their food choices.

Belief and boundaries

The survey showed a side not often covered; 14% of men and 12% of women below 25 shared that they have unmatched with people who were very rigid about rituals. 24-year-old Delhi techie, Suresh, said, “For me, respect is more than rituals. If I can respect someone’s culture and traditional values, I expect the same from my match, even if we don’t see eye to eye on the same.”

A family matter

1 in every 3 daters above 28 said that around Navratri or Durga Puja, families gather, and so does the pressure to settle down. QuackQuack shared seeing a lot of traffic around this time, owing to the constant reminder of the ‘ticking clock’. The app also quoted that they note a spike in matches, every year around this time, this year being no different. Most of these matches are to shield the “when are you getting married?” chorus at home.