Google has unveiled its annual “India’s Year in Search 2025” report, offering a fascinating A-to-Z snapshot of the nation’s collective curiosity. The data paints a picture of an India that is simultaneously racing towards a high-tech future while holding tight to its cultural roots—a year where interest in Artificial Intelligence soared alongside a nostalgic revival of traditional recipes like Thekua.
A Return to Roots: Thekua and Regional Flavors
In a surprising twist for a digital-first generation, culinary heritage took center stage. While the classic Idli remained a staple, the search trends for 2025 were defined by a craving for festive authenticity. Thekua, the crispy, sweet snack synonymous with Chhath Puja, saw a massive spike in interest, leading a wave of “cultural recipes.”
It wasn’t alone; the list was a delicious map of India’s diversity. From the “sweet delight” of Ukadiche Modak to Ugadi Pachadi and Thiruvathirai Kali, home kitchens were busy reviving age-old traditions. Interestingly, Indian palates also traveled globally, with Yorkshire Pudding making a surprise entry on the top recipes list.
The AI Revolution: Gemini and ‘Nano Banana’
While the kitchen represented tradition, the browser window was all about the future. Google Gemini skyrocketed to become the #2 Top Overall Search, signaling that AI has become an everyday companion for Indians. The curiosity didn’t stop there; users explored a vast ecosystem of tools including ChatGPT, Perplexity, and DeepSeek.
Creativity met code with the bizarrely named “Nano Banana” trend (referring to Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model), which drove millions to search for AI image editing prompts, 3D models, and the viral “Gemini saree trend.”
Entertainment: Saiyaara, Horror, and K-Drama
The entertainment sector saw breakout stars and global phenomena. “Saiyaara” emerged as the #1 Top Trending Movie, with its lead stars Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday capturing the nation’s attention.
Nostalgia fueled horror fans, making Final Destination the top international film search. Meanwhile, India’s love affair with K-dramas continued unabated, with Squid Game taking the top spot for shows. On the viral front, the quirky collectible Labubu confused parents and delighted collectors, becoming the top toy trend of the year.
Sports: Cricket Fever and New Icons
As always, cricket remained India’s heartbeat. The Indian Premier League (IPL) was the undisputed champion, ranking as the #1 Top Overall Search. However, 2025 was also a landmark year for women’s cricket, with the Women’s World Cup and stars like Jemimah Rodrigues dominating search bars.
A new generation of heroes also emerged. Teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi took the world by storm, becoming the #1 trending personality of 2025.
News, Events, and ‘Near Me’
The year was also marked by a need for information during critical moments. “Earthquake near me” and “Air Quality near me” were top utility searches, reflecting climate and environmental concerns.
On the national stage, the Maha Kumbh was the #1 Top News Event, with millions planning their itineraries. The nation also stood in solidarity during security events, with searches for “Operation Sindoor” spiking following the Pahalgam attack. Additionally, the Waqf Bill sparked curiosity, becoming the top “What Is” question of the year.
The Lighter Side: Memes and Travel
Indians also found plenty of reasons to laugh and escape. The #67 Meme became the internet’s inside joke of the year, alongside viral moments involving Arjun Kapoor and the Vishal Mega Mart security guard.
For getaways, the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc piqued interest like never before, joining other “P” destinations like Phuket and Pondicherry as top travel choices.
From decoding the Waqf Bill to perfecting the crunch of a Thekua, and from experimenting with AI prompts to mourning icons like Zubeen Garg and Dharmendra, India’s 2025 was a year of vibrant contrasts—proof that the nation is as deeply connected to its past as it is excited for its future.
