Diwali has always been about the gathering: the lamps, the mithai, the aunties in their finest silk and, somewhere between the main course and midnight, the cards coming out. This year, with the festival arriving on 8 November, the smartest thing a host can do is plan the entertainment as carefully as the menu.
Below, ten games that suit the season, from timeless classics to newer desi favourites, with a note on who each one is really for.
PHOOL CHITRALOK PLAYING CARDS Every card draws from a different corner of India’s art heritage: the intricate linework of Phad, the storytelling grandeur of Kalighat, the royal detailing of Rajasthani miniature art, and the bold colors of Chitrakathi Painting, all living together in one deck. Even the Jokers got the artistic treatment, dressed in peacocks and folk motifs instead of the usual boring jester look!
Seva Home x Suryakant Lokhande The Playing Cards Edit – Set of 4
Inspired by the cherished tradition of playing cards during Diwali, The Playing Cards Edit reimagines the familiar deck through the distinctive artistic language of Suryakant Lokhande. The King, Queen, Jack and Ace become miniature works of art, rich with character, nostalgia and a distinctly Indian spirit. Designed as a set of four collectible scented candles, each piece brings together art, play and fragrance in an unexpected form.
Table Manners & Co Snake It Till You Make It Snakes & Ladders Set
A playful take on a timeless classic, Snake It Till You Make It is a bespoke Snakes & Ladders set where traditional gameplay meets the art of Indian textile craftsmanship. The entire board is handcrafted and individually embroidered, with every detail thoughtfully designed to create a world of colour, pattern, and story. From the intricately embroidered snakes and ladders to the hand-finished borders and illustrated squares, each element is made with patience and care.
Sepia Homes Chateau Poker Set – Small Leather Poker Set
Upgrade casual card nights into something that feels a little more… grown up. The Chateau Small Poker Set is made for those evenings when friends come over, the drinks are poured, and the stakes (emotional, not financial) get just high enough to be fun. This compact set includes 100 premium inlay chips and two decks of cards, neatly organised inside a structured leather case. The outside stays quietly elegant on your coffee table, bar, or study shelf, while the inside opens up to reveal a classic casino layout that feels familiar the moment you lift the lid.
Varnam Collective PULLI KOLAM (SOLITAIRE)
This product is a result of the ME to WE project, an initiative by A Hundred Hands, an NGO that encourages craftspeople across crafts, media and geographies to collaborate on design and innovation. Solitaire is a single-player game of concentration and skill. Traditionally ituses a set layout of tiles, pegs, stones or even cards. Most solitaire games function as a puzzle which, due to a different starting position, may (or may not) be solved in a different fashion each time.
Ritu’s Meraki Art Heritage Pallanguzhi South Indian Brass Game Console
The Heritage Pallanguzhi Console is a tribute to one of South India’s most cherished traditional games, an experience that blends leisure, strategy, and cultural richness. Passed down through generations, Pallanguzhi is more than a game; it is a symbol of connection, storytelling, and mindful play. This exquisite rendition elevates the classic game into a statement décor piece. Crafted entirely in brass, the board features beautifully sculpted compartments and ornamental detailing that reflect the finesse of traditional Indian metal artistry. Its form is both functional and sculptural, making it equally suited for gameplay and display.
Gaurav Gupta and HSBC Mahjong Set
Gaurav Gupta and HSBC reimagine Mahjong as a limited-edition collectible, transforming the timeless game through a contemporary lens and extending Gaurav Gupta’s creative language beyond couture. Handcrafted in wood with custom mother-of-pearl tiles, the set reflects a thoughtful balance of heritage and innovation, brought to life through Gaurav Gupta’s signature sculptural approach and meticulous attention to detail. Gold foil linework frames the exterior, while the dual-branded lock anchors the composition. Created exclusively for HSBC customers, this limited-edition Mahjong set extends Gaurav Gupta’s creative universe beyond couture, reimagining a timeless game through his sculptural design language.
Shed’s Kirwani carrom board with marble inlay
This is the Kirwani carrom board, a resplendent exploration in marble inlays with ambitious shapes in the form of different animals, all likening puzzle pieces fitting perfectly within each other. This carrom board is a custom piece made for a client who loves animals. We’ve exacted the dimensions on a standard board but re-interpreted lines to shoot from with figurines from the animal world. Inspirations were gathered from miniature painting forms erupting in different parts of the subcontinent: each animal is represented as if in motion and in its natural habitat. The set is complete with counters capturing essential Indian botanicals.
Redefine game nights with our luxury Jenga set, meticulously crafted in premium wood and wrapped in fine faux leather. Each block is not just a piece of the game but a conversation starter, featuring a unique dare that adds a playful twist to every move.Designed in warm, neutral tones, this Jenga set blends effortlessly into modern living spaces, doubling as a decorative piece when not in play. Perfect for family evenings, parties, or gifting, it combines the thrill of strategy with the elegance of luxury craftsmanship .Hand-crafted with care, this is more than a game — it’s a piece of art that makes every gathering unforgettable.
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Ludo Leather Board by The Leather Garden](https://theleathergarden.com/products/ludo?_pos=1&_sid=e41801f65&_ss=r)**
This beautifully crafted board game is the perfect gift for any game enthusiast. Purely handcrafted in woven leather, the set consists of 16 leather pawns & one dice. Each piece is made from high quality leather, ensuring durability and longevity. Attached with a zip compartment to safely store the pieces.
Whichever you pick, the best Diwali game is the one that gets everyone off their phones and around the same table.
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