Google's Year in Search: From K-dramas to the Olympics, what piqued India's interest this year?

Google’s Year in Search 2024 showcased India’s vibrant curiosity, spanning entertainment, sports, travel, and viral internet moments. This year’s searches offered a snapshot of the nation’s evolving interests, blending local flair with global influence. From blockbuster films to quirky memes, here’s what captivated India’s imagination.

Entertainment that made waves

India’s entertainment scene buzzed with variety in 2024. Supernatural thriller Stree 2 led movie searches, followed by titles like Hanu-man, Kalki, and socially-driven dramas 12th Fail and Laapataa Ladies. On the small screen, historical epic Heeramandi and crime drama Mirzapur took top spots, while relatable series like Panchayat and Kota Factory struck a chord with audiences.

Global hits found their place, too. HBO’s The Last of Us and K-dramas like Queen of Tears and Marry My Husband gained Indian fans. Music trends showcased a mix of indie tracks like Nadaaniyan and Husn, alongside evergreen classics such as Ye Tune Kya Kiya.

Everyday concerns and viral lingo

Searches also reflected India’s practical concerns. Queries like AQI near me highlighted environmental awareness, while how to vote Lok Sabha pointed to civic engagement during the elections. Globally relevant topics like All Eyes on Rafah, tied to the Palestine conflict, resonated with Indian users.

On the lighter side, quirky slang captured attention. Viral phrases like Pookie and Moye Moye sparked curiosity, becoming staples in casual conversations and social media memes.

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Sports and national pride

Sports continued to dominate Indian searches, with cricket leading the way. Matches such as India vs England and India vs Bangladesh were trending topics, alongside the IPL and Pro Kabaddi League. Globally, the Olympics, T20 World Cup, and Copa America also grabbed attention. Athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Hardik Pandya emerged as trending figures, reflecting India’s admiration for its sporting icons.

Travel, Food, and Meme Mania

Indians explored a mix of global and domestic destinations in 2024. Exotic spots like Azerbaijan and Bali stood out, while closer favourites like Manali and Jaipur remained popular. Culinary trends mirrored this diversity, with traditional dishes like Mango Pickle and Ugadi Pachadi sharing the spotlight with global favourites like the Pornstar Martini and Flat White coffee.

Memes brought humour to the mix, with searches for the Blue Grinch Knee Surgery meme and Gen Z Boss meme topping the charts. Relationship chatter was driven by the Orange Peel Theory meme, while dating trends like Throning Dating added to the buzz.

From pop culture to practical concerns, India’s search habits this year reflected a nation that is curious, dynamic, and always ready to explore new horizons.