What Indians Really Love Doing: Survey Says It's Not Work Or Social Media

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In a country as diverse as India, personal choices, hobbies, and how people spend their time often reflect deeper cultural, social, and economic patterns.

A collection of recent surveys - from Time Use statistics by the National Statistical Office (NSO) to data shared by platforms like Airbnb, Reebok, and YouGov - paint a telling portrait of what Indians truly love to do.

From self-care to fitness, socializing to spiritual exploration, modern India is witnessing a clear shift. The Indian middle class, driven by aspirations, work pressure, and digital exposure, is transforming its relationship with leisure, lifestyle, and time.

Let's dive into what drives India's modern-day habits and what surveys are saying about how Indians truly like to spend their time.

1. Self-Care and Socializing Top the Chart

The NSO's Time Use in India survey reveals that self-care activities like sleeping, eating, and hygiene account for 49.2% of people's daily time. This might sound simple, but it reflects the foundational importance of health and well-being in Indian households.

The next major slice? Socializing and community participation, where about 20% of daily time goes into meeting people, attending religious functions, or participating in group activities. In urban India especially, weekend gatherings, temple visits, or even chai breaks with neighbors dominate the leisure calendar.

2. A Growing Culture of Fitness

According to a Financial Express-Reebok survey, over 60% of Indians now dedicate 4+ hours a week to fitness, signaling a cultural shift. Yoga, home workouts, dance classes, cycling, and gym sessions are becoming part of the daily routine, particularly in metros.

Yet, another report by Dalberg Advisors reveals a cautionary note: Nearly 20 crore Indians (200 million) are still physically inactive, with girls in urban areas most affected due to safety concerns and gender norms.

This sharp contrast shows the need for more inclusive fitness infrastructure.

3. Travel Dreams: Nature Over Cities

In a post-pandemic shift, Indians are now preferring offbeat, nature-centric trips. A YouGov-Airbnb report shows that 65% of Indian travelers prefer mountain getaways and national parks, while 69% want unique homestay experiences.

Pilgrimage still plays a big role: over 70% of trips in rural India are for social or religious reasons. Leisure travel is more common among younger working professionals in urban centers like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.

4. Hobbies, Reading, and Learning

Urban Reddit users and independent surveys highlight a growing interest in painting, music production, cooking, and creative writing-especially during weekends. Apps like Skillshare and Coursera are popular for side-learning.

A 2023 Indian Readership Survey noted that Indians, on average, read about 10 hours per week, mostly newspapers and spiritual books. However, digital fatigue may be altering this pattern.

5. Gender Gaps in Time Use

The NSO also showed that Indian women spend nearly 5 hours daily on unpaid household work, while men contribute less than 2 hours. This gap limits women's ability to explore hobbies, fitness, or even part-time jobs.

Even with growing awareness, societal expectations continue to dictate how much time women can carve out for themselves.

A Country in Transition

From temple visits to treks, chai gossip to gym sessions, India is a country navigating tradition and transformation. Indians today are increasingly aware of mental and physical well-being. Fitness is no longer just for film stars; travel is more meaningful than a photo op, and community remains the heart of time well spent.

Yet, a large section of the population is still bound by economic constraints, safety concerns, and cultural limitations. With the right push - from policy, brands, and media - this evolving landscape can be truly empowering for all.