At a cafe in Defence Colony, hands move in perfect rhythm, each motion flowing seamlessly into the next as a game of mahjong is underway. Amid fairy lights and laughter, women adorned in festive fits swapped decks of cards for sets of tiles as they played mahjong for charity ahead of Diwali . And this wasn’t a standalone soiree, the game has fast become the new fixture at Diwali parties across Delhi.
‘One table at Diwali parties is reserved for mahjong’
It’s tiles over cards for some this Diwali. “In Delhi, taash party culture has always been big. Mahjong is slowly entering the space. Women are especially drawn to it – you see it at daytime kitty parties and now, at Diwali parties. At night, they still play teen patti, but at some house parties, one table is always set aside for mahjong. The tiles look like barfis – perfect for Diwali,” says Avika Jain, who is leading The Mahjong Network ’s Delhi Chapter.
Ahana Sethi, who is also leading The Mahjong Network’s Delhi Chapter, adds, “Just like teen patti, mahjong also gives the opportunity to include money. The game, involving drawing and discarding of tiles, can be played with money, and they can be just as competitive.”
“The sound of the tiles shuffling is very therapeutic. While I have never been able to understand card games, I picked up mahjong quickly,” says Namita, an attendee who, after her first game, is looking forward to playing mahjong at Diwali parties.
What makes mahjong such a great fit for parties?
Like cards, it’s played on the table with friends. The tiles add novelty and sparkle. Everyone learns quickly. Even first-timers can win big with clever party rules. It can run alongside card parties (two tables of cards, one for mahjong) or even replace cards entirely.
‘Mahjong has become the perfect festive switch’
For years, Diwali gatherings have been synonymous with cards. Rinkey Puri , a Dubai-based mahjong expert, says, “Many hosts, including me, have found mahjong to be the perfect festive switch, as it is thrilling, social and surprisingly as addictive as cards. I’ve hosted multiple mahjong parties where guests loved the pace, laughter, and the sheer excitement of shouting ‘Mahjong’.” Rinkey adds that in both Delhi and Dubai, she sees the addition of mahjong in Diwali bashes. “I have curated Diwali-special mahjong games, which are quick to explain and easy to play. The beauty of this game is that it’s short and high-energy.” Geetika Sethi, a seasoned mahjong player based in Delhi, shares, “Delhi is catching up on mahjong,” adding, “I hosted the game on Karwa Chauth as well. It is addictive.”
‘Diamond-studded mahjong sets have been popular’
This festive season, the game has got a diamond upgrade. Ankita Sonawal, brand head of a jewellery label, shares, “Like Diwali, mahjong brings people together. Each set features exquisite detailing, with hand-engraved and painted tiles, and natural diamonds embedded in the flower tiles. These sets have drawn interest not only from mahjong collectors but also from those looking for a distinctive gift this Diwali.” Avika adds, “Resin and glitter-infused designs appeal to collectors.”
Add an interactive giveaway corner with candles
Guests can draw a mahjong tile from a bowl to reveal their corresponding scented candle, adding an element of surprise. Aastha Parekh, founder of Infiwick Candles, who recently set up a Mahjong Network Candle corner at a Diwali special mahjong event in Mumbai, says, "The mahjong tiles created out of wax interest the lovers of the game. Basis their choice, the participants picked the ivory wax tiles, with hand painted designs of boos, rings and cracks, and stuck them to the pre-made candles." These candles make for great giveaways on Diwali.
Curate mahjong-themed treats for your house party
Pick mahjong-inspired shades
Ivory white for tiles, pops of red, green, and black for the suits. Use these colours across your table setup, from desserts to napkins.
Design tile-inspired treats
Bake square or rectangular cookies, cupcakes, or petit fours and decorate them with mahjong tile patterns using edible markers, icing, or fondant. Add Chinese characters or dots for an authentic touch.
Create a themed display
Arrange your desserts like a mahjong table – neat rows, balanced patterns, and even a few real tiles scattered between treats for flair.
‘One table at Diwali parties is reserved for mahjong’
It’s tiles over cards for some this Diwali. “In Delhi, taash party culture has always been big. Mahjong is slowly entering the space. Women are especially drawn to it – you see it at daytime kitty parties and now, at Diwali parties. At night, they still play teen patti, but at some house parties, one table is always set aside for mahjong. The tiles look like barfis – perfect for Diwali,” says Avika Jain, who is leading The Mahjong Network ’s Delhi Chapter.
Ahana Sethi, who is also leading The Mahjong Network’s Delhi Chapter, adds, “Just like teen patti, mahjong also gives the opportunity to include money. The game, involving drawing and discarding of tiles, can be played with money, and they can be just as competitive.”
“The sound of the tiles shuffling is very therapeutic. While I have never been able to understand card games, I picked up mahjong quickly,” says Namita, an attendee who, after her first game, is looking forward to playing mahjong at Diwali parties.
What makes mahjong such a great fit for parties?
Like cards, it’s played on the table with friends. The tiles add novelty and sparkle. Everyone learns quickly. Even first-timers can win big with clever party rules. It can run alongside card parties (two tables of cards, one for mahjong) or even replace cards entirely.
‘Mahjong has become the perfect festive switch’
For years, Diwali gatherings have been synonymous with cards. Rinkey Puri , a Dubai-based mahjong expert, says, “Many hosts, including me, have found mahjong to be the perfect festive switch, as it is thrilling, social and surprisingly as addictive as cards. I’ve hosted multiple mahjong parties where guests loved the pace, laughter, and the sheer excitement of shouting ‘Mahjong’.” Rinkey adds that in both Delhi and Dubai, she sees the addition of mahjong in Diwali bashes. “I have curated Diwali-special mahjong games, which are quick to explain and easy to play. The beauty of this game is that it’s short and high-energy.” Geetika Sethi, a seasoned mahjong player based in Delhi, shares, “Delhi is catching up on mahjong,” adding, “I hosted the game on Karwa Chauth as well. It is addictive.”
‘Diamond-studded mahjong sets have been popular’
This festive season, the game has got a diamond upgrade. Ankita Sonawal, brand head of a jewellery label, shares, “Like Diwali, mahjong brings people together. Each set features exquisite detailing, with hand-engraved and painted tiles, and natural diamonds embedded in the flower tiles. These sets have drawn interest not only from mahjong collectors but also from those looking for a distinctive gift this Diwali.” Avika adds, “Resin and glitter-infused designs appeal to collectors.”
Add an interactive giveaway corner with candles
Guests can draw a mahjong tile from a bowl to reveal their corresponding scented candle, adding an element of surprise. Aastha Parekh, founder of Infiwick Candles, who recently set up a Mahjong Network Candle corner at a Diwali special mahjong event in Mumbai, says, "The mahjong tiles created out of wax interest the lovers of the game. Basis their choice, the participants picked the ivory wax tiles, with hand painted designs of boos, rings and cracks, and stuck them to the pre-made candles." These candles make for great giveaways on Diwali.
Curate mahjong-themed treats for your house party
Pick mahjong-inspired shades
Ivory white for tiles, pops of red, green, and black for the suits. Use these colours across your table setup, from desserts to napkins.
Design tile-inspired treats
Bake square or rectangular cookies, cupcakes, or petit fours and decorate them with mahjong tile patterns using edible markers, icing, or fondant. Add Chinese characters or dots for an authentic touch.
Create a themed display
Arrange your desserts like a mahjong table – neat rows, balanced patterns, and even a few real tiles scattered between treats for flair.
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