Our Bureau
Mumbai
Once a quiet pastime in Asian homes, Mahjong has now emerged as the game of choice for India’s high society. From plush Mumbai clubs to chic Delhi brunches and intimate Kolkata gatherings, the clatter of tiles has become the new soundtrack of leisure for the country’s elite. What began as curiosity, riding on the popularity of Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Fresh Off The Boat, and K-dramas, has now become a social statement – endorsed by Bollywood wives, society hostesses, and industrialist Harsh Goenka himself.
The appeal is twofold: Mahjong challenges the mind while offering a stylish way to socialise. “It demands strategy, memory, and quick thinking, making every round mentally engaging,” said Priya Shamdasani, a Mumbai-based player. According to Ria Bajaj, co-founder of The Mahjong Network, “It entertains and exercises the brain simultaneously, which is why it resonates so strongly with the social elite.”
While Mumbai clubs host inter-club tournaments and Delhi sees Mahjong-themed brunches, Kolkata’s affair with the game is still confined to house parties. “We’re flying in trainers from Mumbai and Delhi, but the passion here is growing,” Bajaj explained. Kolkata players note that local variations in scoring and style are beginning to take root.
The rise of Mahjong has also given leisure a fashion-forward spin. “Mahjong is a beautiful occasion. Players dress thoughtfully, and even the design of the set is a style statement,” said Sangeeta Kewalramani of House of Mahjong. Beyond being women-driven, the game is becoming a couple’s pursuit, with families dedicating weekends to Mahjong “date nights.”
From themed soirées to curated sessions at private parties, Mahjong has transcended being just a game. It is now a cultural code of leisure, luxury, and community – a stylish revival where tiles, gossip, and glamour meet.
