40+ Fun & Festive Diwali Celebration Games and Ideas in the Office for 2025

Diwali is more than just lights, sweets, and traditions—it’s a perfect occasion to bring your teams together, spark joy, and celebrate the bonds that make your workplace feel like a second home. Whether your teams are working remotely or under one roof, Diwali games in the office are a fantastic way to create festive cheer, build camaraderie, and boost employee engagement.

In this blog, we’re sharing a wide variety of Diwali party games and celebration ideas that are easy to organize and enjoyable for everyone—whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid. From creative competitions and team challenges to meaningful cultural activities, these ideas will help you plan a vibrant Diwali celebration your employees will remember long after the lights fade.

Let’s explore fun and engaging ways to celebrate Diwali at work!

22 Diwali celebration and game ideas in office

Celebrating Diwali in the office can be a fun and festive way to boost employee morale and build a sense of togetherness. Here are ten Diwali celebration ideas for the workplace:

1. Diwali pooja 

Dedicate a serene space within the office for a Diwali pooja or prayer ceremony. You can invite a priest or a knowledgeable colleague to perform the rituals and explain the significance of Diwali. This spiritual start to the day can set a positive and harmonious tone.

2. Decorate the office 

Diwali is all about illuminating darkness, so encourage your employees to bring in traditional Diwali decorations such as colorful lights, rangoli, paper lanterns, and vibrant fabrics. Consider organizing a decorating competition and have different departments or teams transform their workspace into a festive wonderland.

3. Traditional dress day 

To celebrate the diversity in your workplace, designate a day for employees to wear traditional Indian attire.

This is a wonderful way to showcase the rich cultural heritage of your colleagues. You might even consider organizing a best-dressed contest with prizes for participation.

4. Diwali potluck 

Organize a Diwali-themed potluck lunch, where employees can showcase their culinary skills by bringing in their favorite traditional dishes. This not only fosters camaraderie but also gives employees a chance to taste a variety of regional delicacies.

5. Gift exchange 

Conduct a Diwali gift exchange event where employees draw names and exchange small, thoughtful presents. Set a budget limit to ensure affordability, and emphasize the sentiment behind the gifts rather than their monetary value.

6. Diwali quiz 

Arrange a Diwali quiz to test your employees' knowledge about the festival. Include questions about the history, legends, customs, and significance of Diwali. Award small prizes for the winners to encourage participation and learning.

7. Cultural performances 

Showcase the talents and cultural diversity of your employees by arranging cultural performances such as traditional dances, songs, or instrumental music. Consider hosting these performances during a lunch break or after work, inviting employees to share their cultural heritage with their colleagues.

8. Diwali diya painting 

Set up a creative corner with plain diyas, a wide range of paints, brushes, and other decorative materials. Employees can personalize their own diyas with intricate designs, colors, and patterns. These painted diyas can serve as both beautiful office decorations and thoughtful Diwali gifts.

9. Diwali rangoli contest 

Encourage employees or teams to create intricate and colorful rangoli designs within designated areas of the office. Provide essential materials such as colored rice, flower petals, stencils, and chalk to make it accessible for everyone. Consider having a panel of judges or a voting system to decide the winning design.

10. Diwali charity drive 

Embrace the spirit of giving by organizing a Diwali charity drive. Encourage employees to contribute to a specific charitable cause or organization. Use QR creator to create QR codes for posters or flyers to provide quick access to donation platforms, detailed information about the cause, or a tracker showing the collective contributions made by your workplace. Highlight the collective impact your workplace can make during the festival of lights, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.

Carefully plan activities to create an inclusive Diwali celebration in your office, fostering bonds among employees and cultural understanding. Respect and consider diverse backgrounds and beliefs for an inclusive and valued celebration.

11. Diwali themed treasure hunt

As an engaging Diwali party game, arrange a captivating treasure hunt within the office premises. Strategically place a series of clues that progressively lead participants to a concealed prize associated with the festival of Diwali. 

This interactive activity not only adds an element of excitement but also encourages team members to work together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and festive spirit. Additionally, it offers a unique opportunity for employees to explore the office environment in a fun and interactive way, making the celebration even more memorable and enjoyable.

12. Sweets tasting challenge

Enliven your Diwali celebration with a delightful game! Arrange an assortment of classic Diwali sweets and challenge your employees to guess the names while blindfolded. This engaging activity adds a fun twist to the festivities, allowing everyone to savor the essence of this cherished festival.

13. Tambola (Housie)

Enhance the festive spirit with an engaging game of Tambola, where employees have the opportunity to purchase tickets and vie for delightful prizes. This exciting activity adds an element of fun and camaraderie to your Diwali celebration, fostering a sense of togetherness among colleagues.

It's a wonderful way to infuse the occasion with a touch of merriment and reward employees for their participation and enthusiasm.

14. Musical chairs with a Diwali twist

Arrange a circle of chairs amidst the vibrant backdrop of Diwali decorations, accompanied by lively, festive music. As the music weaves its celebratory tunes, participants joyfully move around the circle. When the music suddenly halts, a flurry of excitement ensues as everyone endeavors to secure a chair. 

With each round, an element of suspense builds as one chair is gracefully taken away. This Diwali-themed musical chairs game promises both mirth and camaraderie, capturing the essence of the festival of lights in a spirited gathering.

15. Diwali quiz

Create an interactive quiz that centers around Diwali, encompassing questions about Indian culture and traditions. Offer small prizes to participants who answer correctly. This fun quiz game will not only entertain but also educate your guests about the significance of Diwali and the rich cultural heritage it represents.

16. Lantern-making contest

As part of the Diwali festivities, offer employees a creative outlet by providing essential crafting materials such as paper, glue, and scissors. Encourage them to craft exquisite lanterns, adding a personal touch to their Diwali celebrations. 

This engaging activity not only fosters a sense of camaraderie but also allows individuals to showcase their artistic flair. These handcrafted lanterns will not only illuminate their homes but also symbolize the radiance of togetherness during this joyous occasion.

17. Blindfolded diya lighting

Diwali party activity, participants will be blindfolded and tasked with lighting as many diyas as they can within a specified time frame. This exciting competition not only adds a fun element to the celebration but also encourages teamwork and a sense of festivity. It's a wonderful way to bring employees together in the spirit of Diwali, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared achievement.

18. 1 truth 2 lies

Celebrate the spirit of Diwali with a fun and engaging game of '1 Truth, 2 Lies'. In this exciting activity, participants take turns sharing three statements about themselves, with one being true and the other two being fabricated. 

The challenge lies in discerning which statement holds the truth. This game not only adds a delightful twist to your Diwali celebration but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and amusement among the participants. It's a wonderful way to share laughter and create lasting memories during this festive season.

19. Diwali memory game

Prepare a grid featuring Diwali-themed images for a delightful game at your Diwali celebration. Employees can take turns flipping over cards, aiming to find matching pairs. This engaging activity adds an extra touch of festivity to your Diwali gathering

20. Best ethnic attire competition

Promote cultural immersion and team camaraderie by encouraging employees to don traditional Indian attire for a vibrant Diwali celebration. As part of the festivities, organize a friendly competition to recognize the best-dressed participant. 

This activity not only fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation for diverse cultures but also adds a lively and colorful dimension to the Diwali party, creating cherished memories for all involved.

21. Diwali dhamaka charades

Let's engage in a spirited game of charades with a festive twist! In this special Diwali-themed charades, all the words and phrases will be related to the joyous festival of lights. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the spirit of Diwali and have a great time guessing and acting out various aspects of this cherished celebration.

22. Live Performance

For engaging Diwali party games, consider incorporating live entertainment options such as musical performances, magic shows, illusions, or dance performances. These captivating and lively acts will not only keep employees entertained but also add an element of festive joy to the celebration. 

The opportunity to enjoy these live performances virtually or in person can make the Diwali party a memorable and enjoyable experience, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration among employees. It's a delightful way to infuse the spirit of the festival into the event, ensuring everyone has a wonderful time.

19 Virtual Diwali celebration and game ideas 

Virtual Diwali celebrations games and ideas for the office can be just as engaging and festive as in-person events. Here are ten unique ideas for celebrating Diwali with your remote team:

1. Virtual awards and recognition gala

Plan a virtual awards and recognition gala to boost your employees' motivation and enhance their Diwali celebration experience with excitement and encouragement.

Recognize outstanding achievements and contributions within your workplace to create a sense of accomplishment and celebration.

2. Virtual employee town hall celebration

Host a virtual town hall meeting for all your employees and team members to come together and celebrate the significant Indian festival of Diwali. Incorporate fun and engaging activities to enhance the festive spirit and promote a sense of togetherness among your workforce.

3. Virtual tambola (Housie) night

Add a dash of fun to your Diwali celebration by organizing a virtual tambola (housie) game for your colleagues and team members.

No Indian party or festival celebration is complete without this popular game, and it can be a great way to bring everyone together for some enjoyable moments.

4. Virtual gala night with dress code

Arrange a virtual gala night featuring dinner and various entertainment sessions. Set a predetermined dress code for your employees and encourage them to follow it on the event day, creating a sense of elegance and festivity in your virtual celebration.

5. Virtual entertainment extravaganza

Why not host an event solely dedicated to entertainment and fun? Plan an exceptional entertainment show with various engaging activities, such as dance and music performances, open mic sessions, and even movie screenings. Tailor it to your team's preferences and create a memorable Diwali celebration experience.

6. Virtual talent hunt and competitions

Organize a talent hunt and competitions to inject excitement and positive competitiveness into your workplace's Diwali celebration. Encourage your employees to showcase their talents and skills, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

7. Fun "Fire-cracker" tags for team members

Create an entertaining session where team members can vote and assign unique "fire-cracker" name tags to each other. After everyone has cast their votes, reveal the results, making it a lighthearted activity to enhance your online Diwali celebration.

8. Online Diwali trivia game 

Organize an interactive Diwali trivia game using online quiz platforms or tools like Kahoot!. Teams or individuals can participate, testing their knowledge of Diwali's history, customs, and legends.

Consider awarding e-gift cards or online rewards to the winning participants to keep the competitive spirit alive.

9. Diwali themed karaoke night 

Host a virtual Diwali-themed karaoke night where employees can sing popular Bollywood songs or Diwali melodies. You can even organize a competition for the best performance and have the team vote for the winners.

10. Diwali wellness workshop

Promote well-being during Diwali by arranging virtual wellness workshops. You could offer sessions on stress management, meditation, yoga, or even mindful eating during the festival. These sessions can help employees strike a balance between work and well-being during the busy holiday season.

11. Trivia pursuit 

Gather employees for an evening of intellectual stimulation and fun as you delve into the rich tapestry of Diwali-related questions. Explore the significance of this festival, the stories behind it, and the customs that have been passed down through generations.

12. Tongue twister challenge

The Diwali Tongue Twister Extravaganza is not just about linguistic agility; it's about embracing the festive spirit of Diwali with laughter and camaraderie. 

You'll find yourself in stitches as you and your fellow participants valiantly attempt to untangle these wordy puzzles. It's an opportunity to share moments of joy and merriment, fostering a sense of togetherness even in the virtual realm.

13. Never have I ever

Embracing the spirit of Diwali, let's engage in a jovial game of 'Celebration Chronicles'. In this light-hearted activity, participants take turns sharing experiences related to the festival.

Starting with 'Never have I ever', each person reveals a Diwali-related event they haven't encountered. As tales unfold, laughter and camaraderie will illuminate our virtual gathering.

14. Pictionary

In Pictionary, players draw images or sketches based on specific words or phrases related to Diwali, and their teammates have to guess the correct word or phrase within a time limit. 

15. Diwali themed bingo

Organize a fun Diwali party game by creating Bingo cards adorned with Diwali-themed images and words. Provide clues related to the festival and have participants mark off their cards accordingly.

16. The multiverse of Ramayana - Escape room

Celebrate Diwali with an engaging and intellectually stimulating activity that encourages teamwork and creativity. In this unique game inspired by the Ramayana, employees will work together to solve a series of puzzles and challenges. These challenges will not only test their problem-solving skills but also immerse them in the rich narrative of the Ramayana. 

It's an opportunity for colleagues to collaborate, learn, and have fun in a way that adds a special touch to your Diwali celebration. This activity not only brings a sense of excitement and camaraderie but also fosters a spirit of togetherness, aligning perfectly with the festive atmosphere of Diwali.

17. Diwali ki dhun - special

In the spirit of Diwali festivities, an invigorating and intellectually enriching activity awaits your employees. They will join forces to tackle a series of intriguing puzzles and challenges, all inspired by the epic tale of the Ramayana.

This collaborative endeavor promises not only entertainment but also an opportunity for team members to exercise their problem-solving skills while immersing themselves in the cultural richness of this celebrated narrative.

18. Diwali art & craft challenges

Diwali art & craft challenge not only fosters a sense of artistic accomplishment but also encourages a deeper connection to the rich cultural heritage of Diwali. So, grab your crafting supplies and get ready to bring a touch of brilliance to this year's festivities!

19. Saree and traditional attire fashion show

One of the delightful and culturally enriching activities to consider for your Diwali celebration is a saree and traditional attire fashion show. This engaging game invites participants to showcase the elegance of Indian ethnic wear. 

Participants, adorned in exquisite sarees and traditional attire, will grace the virtual runway, exuding grace and style. This event not only celebrates the rich tapestry of Indian fashion but also fosters a sense of unity and cultural appreciation among participants.

When planning virtual Diwali celebrations, remember to accommodate various time zones, tech access, and personal commitments of your team. These activities foster cultural identity and unity in the virtual workplace.

Celebrate Diwali the Empuls way: Where tradition meets technology

Diwali is a time to celebrate light, togetherness, and gratitude. With Empuls, your workplace can go beyond decorations and sweet boxes by making every celebration inclusive, memorable, and deeply engaging.

Whether your teams are onsite, remote, or hybrid, Empuls empowers HR and leaders to create festive experiences that reflect your culture and values, all from a single platform.

Send personalized Diwali gifts globally

No matter where your employees are, Empuls makes it easy to deliver joy at scale:

• Choose from a 1 M+ global rewards catalog across 100+ countries—including sweets, experiences, gadgets, and gift cards.
• Offer custom-branded Diwali swag or curated hampers.
• Use automated delivery workflows to schedule gifts and e-cards in advance.
• Give employees the freedom to choose their gift, thanks to point-based reward systems.

Automate greetings and festive communication

Empuls’ AI assistant, Em, helps HR teams deliver personalized Diwali greetings without the manual effort:

• Auto-schedule Diwali wishes for every employee across email, chat tools, or the Empuls intranet.
• Enable peer-to-peer recognition with custom Diwali badges or themed appreciation messages.
• Celebrate milestones or service anniversaries that align with the festive season.

Drive participation with festive campaigns and contests

Use the Empuls social intranet and community groups to turn your office Diwali into a company-wide event:

• Run office-wide rangoli contests, diya painting challenges, or photo competitions, and collect entries through Empuls.
• Launch polls, quizzes, and festive games directly on the platform to keep everyone involved, regardless of location.
• Celebrate the winners on the Wall of Fame or showcase top entries on your Empuls homepage.

Recognize and reward festive spirit

Highlight employees who embody team spirit, creativity, or cultural leadership during Diwali events:

• Create custom award categories like “Culture Champion” or “Festival Enthusiast.”
• Recognize them with instant spot awards, Diwali-themed badges, or experiential rewards.
• Boost morale with leaderboards and gamified recognition to encourage healthy competition and participation.

Foster belonging and inclusivity

Empuls helps you promote a culture where every voice is heard and celebrated:

• Use pulse surveys to collect employee feedback on Diwali celebrations and cultural events.
• Run inclusive campaigns that accommodate diverse traditions and preferences.
• Share employee stories and memories using interactive posts or video messages within the social feed.

Conclusion 

Diwali, the festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, is the perfect occasion to bring your office family together, even if you're miles apart in the virtual world or sharing the same physical space. 

The Diwali celebration ideas we've explored in this blog showcase the versatility and adaptability of this festival, making it a perfect fit for your professional environment.

From virtual Rangoli competitions to traditional sweet exchanges, these ideas are designed to foster a sense of togetherness, promote cultural diversity, and create lasting memories. 

By incorporating these unique celebration ideas, you can bring the spirit of Diwali to your office, uniting your colleagues and making this festival of lights not just a day of festivities, but a truly special day at work. 

This Diwali, create an atmosphere that not only celebrates the festival but also the bonds that make your office a second home. 

Happy Diwali!