Spotify’s latest data shows how music shapes India’s festive season, with party playlist streams rising 34%, devotional listening growing 13% and shared-device listening increasing across homes, cars and social gatherings.
India’s festive season is increasingly being shaped by music, with listening habits shifting between devotional tracks, party playlists and shared listening spaces, according to Spotify’s latest data.
Spotify’s data shows that streams of party playlists rise by 34% during the festive weeks, while devotional music listening increases by 13%. The two trends often coexist, with devotional music accompanying rituals and celebrations before playlists take over later in the day.
The shift also extends beyond personal listening. Spotify says listening through shared devices and spaces, including TVs, cars and speakers, rises 11% above the August baseline to reach 5.24 million weekly content hours. This reflects how music moves from individual headphones into homes, cars and social gatherings during the festive season.
Spotify says Indians spend an average of two hours a day on the platform. Its survey also found that 86% of respondents prefer focused audio, including music and podcasts, over video content in certain situations.
The platform’s data points to a broader emotional connection with audio as well. Among weekly Spotify users in India surveyed, 59% said the platform makes them feel happy and joyful, while 73% said their time on Spotify feels more positive than time spent on social media. Another 76% said Spotify has a positive impact on their lives.
The findings also reflect the diversity of India’s festive calendar. From Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi to Navratri, Durga Puja, Diwali and Christmas, different festivals bring their own languages, traditions and musical preferences. Yet across these celebrations, music continues to play a central role, increasingly becoming a shared experience across homes, cars and family gatherings.
