Mahjong as the New Bridge: Social Gaming in India

Mahjong is quietly making a comeback in India’s urban social scene, especially among the 45-plus crowd that once swore by bridge, rummy, and Sunday kitty parties. These gatherings often include cocktails, curated playlists, and monogrammed tile sets. Couples and social groups in cities like Bengaluru, Gurgaon, South Mumbai, and Pune are increasingly swapping dinner plans for Mahjong evenings — complete with wine, gin, dim sums, and the clack of tiles. The game offers the perfect mix of competition, conversation, and continuity, intimate enough for real catch-ups yet structured enough to feel like a purposeful evening.

The revival has also been boosted by celebrity visibility. Seema Sajdeh and Maheep Kapoor recently shared Instagram posts about Mahjong lessons and private group classes, highlighting the game. Luxury living communities and private clubs in Delhi and Mumbai are now introducing Mahjong afternoons as a social fixture. Instead of restaurant brunches or shopping outings, groups now meet at homes, clubhouses, or boutique hotel lounges to play through the afternoon over tea sandwiches & prosecco. For many, it’s not just a game but a ritual that blends leisure, mental engagement, and socialising — a way to connect without the formality of a dinner party or the chaos of a night out.

Neurologists and psychologists note that the appeal lies in both its cognitive and social benefits. Mahjong improves strategy, memory, and pattern recognition, making it popular among retirees and semi-retired professionals seeking structured recreation. The game is competitive without being aggressive, allowing for conversation, laughter, and bonding between rounds.

Private hosts now invest in custom tile sets, themed table covers, and scorebooks. Many Mahjong groups have WhatsApp chats, rotating hosts, and even unofficial dress codes. Some meet every Friday or alternate Sundays, treating it like a yoga class or book club — but with more banter and refreshments.