Year in Search 2024: Insights into India’s Google Searches and Emerging Interests
Each year, we reflect upon the events and phenomena that captivated our collective curiosity through Google’s Year in Search. Across the globe, billions of searches are conducted daily on Google, with a remarkable 15% being entirely novel. This is a testament to humanity’s insatiable curiosity and the ever-evolving tapestry of topics that intrigue us.
In 2024, India’s searches painted a kaleidoscopic narrative—ranging from a fervent passion for sports like the IPL and the Olympics to an enthusiastic embrace of entertainment across languages, such as Stree 2 and globally adored K-dramas. Indie music aficionados turned Nadaaniyan into a hit, while memes oscillated between “demurely mindful” and outright hilarious. The peculiar charm of words like “Pookie” added a quirky dimension. We celebrated icons like Vinesh Phogat and Hardik Pandya, reminisced about luminaries like the late Ratan Tata, and dreamt of wandering to the picturesque landscapes of Azerbaijan. From relationships (Orange Peel Theory and Throning Dating) to workplace humor (Gen Z boss memes), India’s curiosity was boundless. Practical searches, such as “how to vote” and “AQI near me,” revealed a pragmatic side, while inquiries like “All Eyes on Rafah” reflected a global awareness.
A Cultural Mosaic: Trends that Defined 2024
Entertainment Unleashed: From Heeramandi to Husn
India’s entertainment quest spanned genres, languages, and artistic expressions. The supernatural allure of Stree 2 claimed the top spot in movie searches, while cinematic marvels like Hanu-Man and Kalki captured imaginations with their grandiose storytelling. Films such as 12th Fail and Laapataa Ladies provided profound reflections on societal issues. On the small screen, opulent dramas like Heeramandi and gritty series like Mirzapur commanded attention, while slice-of-life gems like Panchayat and Kota Factory found heartfelt resonance. International offerings, including The Last of Us and K-dramas like Queen of Tears and Marry My Husband, further diversified our screens. In music, India’s indie scene thrived with tracks like Nadaaniyan and Husn, complemented by nostalgic classics like Yeh Tune Kya Kiya.
Humor and Curiosity: Memes and Lingual Quirks
From the hilarity of the “Blue Grinch Knee Surgery” meme to the introspective charm of “Very Demure, Very Mindful,” memes became powerful vehicles for laughter and relatability. Workplace wit flourished, with “Gen Z leave work email” searches peaking. Relationships found their meme-worthy moment with the “Orange Peel Theory,” while dating curiosity leaned toward Throning Dating. Meanwhile, people probed the meanings of whimsical terms like “Moye Moye” and “Pookie,” blending humor with linguistic exploration.
World Affairs and Practical Insights
India’s inquisitiveness extended to significant global events and everyday essentials. The Palestine conflict drew interest in terms like “All Eyes on Rafah,” while Lok Sabha elections dominated “how-to” queries like “how to vote.” Weather and health searches, such as “excessive heat” and “AQI near me,” underscored concerns about well-being.
Sports Fervor: Beyond the Boundary
Sports enthusiasts traversed the digital domain for updates on an array of events—from local leagues like the IPL and Pro Kabaddi League to international spectacles such as the T20 World Cup and Copa America. Cricket remained a cornerstone, with India’s clashes against England and Bangladesh stealing the limelight. Athletes like Vinesh Phogat, Hardik Pandya, and Lakshya Sen ranked among the most-searched personalities.
Culinary Adventures and Travel Aspirations
From Bali’s sunlit shores to Azerbaijan’s cultural splendor, wanderlust shaped travel searches, while India’s own jewels, like Manali and Jaipur, drew explorers seeking serenity and heritage. Culinary curiosity was equally dynamic, spanning traditional recipes like Mango Pickle and Ugadi Pachadi to global indulgences such as the Pornstar Martini and regional delights like Onam Sadhya.
Through these searches, India showcased a vibrant narrative of interests, aspirations, and humor—a reflection of a nation perpetually seeking to learn, laugh, and explore.