From excessive heat and AQI to Onam Sadhya and 'Stree 2', what India searched for on Google in 2024

Each year, Google reflects on the topics and trends that sparked global and local interest with its Year in Search report. In 2024, India's searches showcased an eclectic mix of interests spanning sports, entertainment, relationships, cultural moments, and practical inquiries. With billions of searches conducted daily and 15% of them being entirely new, the boundless curiosity of Indians was evident across diverse areas of life.

India’s passion for entertainment was evident in the diversity of its searches, from regional films to international dramas. "Stree 2" topped the list of movie-related searches, while titles like "Hanu-man", "Kalki", "12th Fail", and "Laapataa Ladies" drew significant attention for their compelling narratives. In television, period dramas like "Heeramandi" and crime thrillers such as "Mirzapur" were hugely popular, alongside slice-of-life favourites like "Panchayat" and "Kota Factory".

International entertainment also found a strong audience. Shows like "The Last of Us" and K-dramas, including "Queen of Tears" and "Marry My Husband", captivated Indian viewers. On the music front, indie hits like "Nadaaniyan" and "Husn" resonated widely, while classics like "Yeh Tune Kya Kiya" and "Yeh Raaten Yeh Mausam" evoked nostalgia.

Memes continued to dominate online expression in 2024. The whimsical Blue Grinch Knee Surgery meme brought unexpected laughs, while relatable humour was found in memes like Hamster and Very Demure, Very Mindful. The Gen Z Boss meme offered a satirical take on workplace dynamics, a theme echoed in trending searches such as Gen Z leave work email.