10 Most Memorable Diwali Ads That Captured the Festive Spirit

See how top brands captured the festive spirit of Diwali with ads that connected deeply with people. From emotional stories to joyful celebrations, these campaigns show how brands like Cadbury, Netflix, and Parle-G made their messages memorable and festive.

Diwali is more than just lights, sweets, and fireworks. It’s the time when brands tell stories that touch hearts, stories of family, kindness, togetherness, and hope. Every year, some Diwali ads rise above the rest, staying in memory long after the festival ends. This article walks you through 10 of India’s most memorable Diwali ads, what makes them special, what people loved, and why they still matter.

Diwali Campaigns That Touched Hearts and Built Stronger Connections

1. Cadbury Celebrations - Not Just a Cadbury Ad, Make Your Own Ad (2021)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2021, Cadbury Celebrations took a very different approach to Diwali advertising. Instead of only running a festive ad to sell chocolates, the brand made its campaign about supporting small businesses. With the help of technology, Cadbury allowed local shops and home-based businesses to feature in their Diwali ads.

The campaign used machine learning to map Shah Rukh Khan’s face and voice. This meant that many small businesses could get personalised versions of the ad, where Shah Rukh Khan appeared to promote their shop or product. It was like each shopkeeper got their own ad with one of the biggest celebrities in India, something they could never afford otherwise.

• How People Reacted

The reaction to this campaign was very positive. Many people praised Cadbury for thinking about small shopkeepers at a time when they needed help the most. Business owners themselves shared their personalised ads widely on social media, which made the campaign even more popular.

Viewers also liked the fresh idea of “making your own ad.” Instead of only watching Cadbury’s message, people could see themselves or their local stores being featured. It was participatory, not one-sided, which gave it a more personal feel.

The campaign created a lot of buzz online and sparked conversations about the future of advertising. People started wondering if other brands would also do something similar in the coming Diwali seasons. Could advertising become less about big brands talking to audiences and more about building communities together?

• Why This Campaign Matters

This campaign showed that advertising does not always have to be about selling more products. Sometimes, it can be about giving back and building goodwill. By including small businesses, Cadbury not only won hearts but also set a new example for festive advertising in India.

It reminded people that Diwali is about togetherness and support, and the brand managed to tie this value into its marketing in a way that felt genuine.

2. Vivo India - #JoyOfHomecoming (2024)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2024, Vivo celebrated its 10th anniversary in India with a Diwali campaign called #JoyOfHomecoming. The ad told a heartfelt story of people caught up in their busy lives, often far from home, who are reminded of the importance of reuniting with family and loved ones during Diwali. It showed the longing, the journey, and finally the joy of coming home.

The campaign also included an interactive element. Vivo encouraged people to share photos and stories of their “chosen families”, not only parents or siblings but also close friends and people who feel like family. As part of a contest, participants could post these moments on Instagram, complete a simple festive phrase, and stand a chance to win a Vivo smartphone.

• How People Reacted

The response to #JoyOfHomecoming was warm and emotional. Many viewers shared the ad with friends and family who live far away, saying it reminded them of the joy of traveling home for the festival.

On social media, the campaign sparked a lot of personal posts. People took part in the contest, shared photos of their loved ones, and used hashtags like #JoyOfHomecoming and #10YearsOfVivo. Comments often mentioned nostalgia, with many saying the ad inspired them to plan their Diwali trip home earlier than usual.

• Why This Campaign Matters

This campaign was not just about celebrating Diwali. It also marked a milestone for Vivo, highlighting its decade-long presence in India. By focusing on togetherness, reunion, and chosen families, the brand showed that it understands the emotional heartbeat of Indian festivals.

It reinforced the idea that technology, like a smartphone, is not only about features but also about keeping memories and connections alive. For Vivo, #JoyOfHomecoming created a bond with its audience that went beyond product marketing, making the brand feel more personal and rooted in the Indian way of celebrating festivals.

3. Netflix - #HarParivaarKeLiye (2024)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2024, Netflix launched its campaign #HarParivaarKeLiye to show that stories have the power to bring people closer. The ad takes viewers through everyday scenes like a bus ride where strangers share a laugh, a movie night at home, families sitting together after a meal, or friends chatting after watching the same show. The message is clear: no matter who you are or where you are, stories can connect you.

This ad focused on feelings and reminded people that Netflix is not just a streaming platform but also a space where stories become shared experiences.

• How People Reacted

The campaign struck a chord with many viewers. People appreciated that it did not look or feel like a hard sell. Instead, it reminded them of their own family time or small moments of bonding with others.

Social media reactions often mentioned how the ad felt personal. Families said it reminded them of their weekend movie nights, while young viewers related to moments of watching shows with friends. Many praised Netflix for making an ad that felt more like an emotion than a commercial.

• Why This Campaign Matters

#HarParivaarKeLiye showed that Netflix understands its audience in India. Watching stories here is not just about entertainment; it is about community, family, and togetherness. By tapping into this cultural truth, Netflix positioned itself as a part of people’s everyday lives, not just a service you subscribe to.

This campaign helped strengthen Netflix’s image as a brand that values emotions and human connection. It made the platform feel warm and inviting, reminding people that at the heart of streaming lies something bigger: the joy of shared stories.

4. HP India - “Thodi Si Jagah Bana Lo” (2022)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2022, HP India released a touching short film called “Thodi Si Jagah Bana Lo”, which means “make a little place.” The campaign focused on small acts of kindness and compassion, especially during the festive season of Diwali. Instead of highlighting its products, HP chose to tell a story about supporting traditional artists, small shopkeepers, and local craftsmen who often struggle to find space in a modern, fast-moving world.

The ad showed how technology and compassion can work together. By creating awareness and reminding people to include these artisans in their celebrations, HP encouraged society to keep alive the spirit of giving and sharing during festivals.

• How People Reacted

The response to “Thodi Si Jagah Bana Lo” was warm and emotional. Many viewers said the film reminded them of the value of local art and traditions that often get forgotten in the rush of modern shopping. People appreciated that a global brand like HP chose to highlight a social message instead of pushing products.

On social media, the ad was widely shared, especially by those who felt strongly about supporting local talent. Some viewers even commented that it encouraged them to shop from local artisans for their Diwali gifts.

• Why This Campaign Matters

The campaign showed that brands can be more than just sellers of products. By telling a story that connects with culture and values, HP created goodwill and built a stronger bond with the audience. It reminded people that supporting local talent is not just an act of kindness but also a way to preserve traditions and communities.

For HP, this was a chance to be seen as a brand that cares, not just a brand that sells. It made the company stand out during the festive season and left a lasting impression that went beyond advertising.

5. Coca-Cola - “Follow the Bottle” (2022)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2022, Coca-Cola India launched a Diwali campaign called “Follow the Bottle.” The ad tells the story of a man stuck at work on Diwali night, feeling lonely while everyone else is celebrating. Suddenly, he notices a Coca-Cola bottle tied with a red ribbon rolling across his desk. Curious, he follows it through the streets and realizes others are also chasing their own ribbon-tied bottles. The journey finally leads him to a surprise party arranged by his family and friends, reminding him that Diwali is truly about being together.

The campaign was part of Coca-Cola’s larger #MilkeHiManegiDiwali initiative, which encouraged people to celebrate the festival by reuniting with loved ones, especially after the pandemic years. Created by Wieden+Kennedy, the ad used simple storytelling to bring out feelings of joy, nostalgia, and connection.

• How People Reacted

The ad received a positive response from viewers. Many said it reminded them of the importance of family and the joy of traveling home for Diwali. Social media users shared it widely, calling it heartwarming and uplifting. Some even mentioned that it encouraged them to prioritize spending the festival with loved ones instead of staying away.

The campaign built a strong emotional connection with people and reinforced Coca-Cola’s role in celebrations. It positioned the brand not just as a drink but as a companion in moments of happiness and reunion.

• Why This Campaign Matters

“Follow the Bottle” was more than a festive commercial. It showed how a global brand can tell a simple, relatable story that fits deeply with cultural values. By focusing on family, friendship, and togetherness, Coca-Cola created goodwill and strengthened its place in India’s festive traditions.

For Coca-Cola, the campaign helped keep the brand at the center of celebrations, showing that its role is not only about refreshment but also about connection and shared joy. It was a reminder that Diwali feels complete only when celebrated with the people who matter most.

6. Shoppers Stop - “Nayi Diwali Nayi Soch” (2022)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2022, Shoppers Stop launched its festive campaign “Nayi Diwali Nayi Soch,” which means “New Diwali, New Thinking.” The campaign featured the Bollywood actress Yami Gautam and was built around short stories that showed how families can celebrate while balancing traditions with a modern outlook. Instead of only focusing on fashion or shopping, the ads highlighted values like thoughtfulness in gifting, understanding between generations, and celebrating in ways that bring families closer.

The campaign encouraged people to look at Diwali not just as a time of rituals and shopping but as an opportunity to create more meaningful connections. By showing everyday situations with a modern touch, Shoppers Stop gave the festival a contemporary flavor without losing its cultural essence.

• How People Reacted

The response to “Nayi Diwali Nayi Soch” was positive, especially among family audiences. Many viewers said it felt refreshing because it focused on meaning rather than just glamour. People connected with the simple yet thoughtful message of celebrating Diwali in a way that values both tradition and change.

On social media, the ads gained attention for their warm tone and everyday storytelling. Viewers commented that it gave them a sense of balance between the old and the new, and some even said it inspired them to rethink how they celebrate Diwali with loved ones.

• Why This Campaign Matters

The campaign was important because it reflected the shift in how urban India sees festivals today. Families want to hold on to tradition, but they also want to embrace modern thinking. By showing this balance, Shoppers Stop positioned itself as a brand that understands contemporary Indian families.

For Shoppers Stop, this campaign went beyond advertising products. It created an emotional link with audiences by showing that the brand stands for more than fashion. It reinforced the idea that festivals are not just about gifts and shopping but about thoughtful gestures and stronger bonds. This helped the brand build recall during Diwali and strengthened its long-term image.

7. Asian Paints - “Diwali Pe Har Ghar Kya Kehta Hai?” (2022)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2022, Asian Paints released a festive campaign titled “Diwali Pe Har Ghar Kya Kehta Hai?” which means “What does every home say on Diwali?” The film explored the idea that each home has its own voice, character, and way of celebrating during the festival of lights. It showed families painting walls, decorating spaces, lighting diyas, and preparing their homes in unique ways.

The ad celebrated not just the physical beauty of homes during Diwali but also the emotions behind these preparations. From families bonding while painting to neighbors exchanging festive gestures, the campaign highlighted the diversity of Indian households and the shared spirit of celebration.

• How People Reacted

The response to “Diwali Pe Har Ghar Kya Kehta Hai?” was positive and warm. Many viewers said the ad captured both the outside beauty of decorated homes and the inside emotion of families preparing together. Some commented that it reminded them of their own traditions of decorating and painting their houses before Diwali.

On social media, people appreciated how the ad went beyond just selling paint and instead told a story about what homes truly mean during festivals. Many even said it inspired them to decorate more thoughtfully and reflect on what their home represents during Diwali.

• Why This Campaign Matters

The campaign showed how Asian Paints has built a strong emotional connection between its brand and the idea of “home.” By focusing on the voices and feelings of families, the brand positioned itself as more than just a paint company. It became part of the celebration, tradition, and preparation that makes Diwali special.

For Asian Paints, this was a chance to remind people of its role in shaping how homes look and feel during the festive season. It strengthened recall for the brand and created goodwill by linking it with culture, family, and emotion. The campaign left a lasting impression that decorating a home is not just about paint but about expressing love, joy, and togetherness.

8. Parle-G - “Reviving Pehle Jaisi Diwali” (2022)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2022, Parle-G launched a touching Diwali campaign called “Pehle Jaisi Diwali”, which means “Diwali like before.” The ad focused on bringing back the charm of older celebrations that were simple, warm, and rooted in traditions. It showed handmade lanterns hanging in windows, home-cooked snacks like chaklis, and families sitting together to enjoy moments of joy.

Instead of showing extravagance or expensive celebrations, the ad reminded people that the real happiness of Diwali lies in sharing small, meaningful moments with loved ones. The film carried the message “Genius wahi jo auron ki khushi mein paaye apni khushi,” which means true joy is found in making others happy.

• How People Reacted

Viewers strongly connected with the nostalgia shown in the ad. Many said it reminded them of Diwali celebrations from their own childhood, when families would make decorations at home, prepare snacks together, and celebrate in simple yet heartfelt ways.

For audiences tired of over-the-top advertisements during festivals, this campaign stood out as a refreshing and meaningful reminder of what Diwali is really about. On social media, people shared the ad and spoke about their own memories of past Diwalis, making the campaign even more relatable.

• Why This Campaign Matters

Parle-G’s “Pehle Jaisi Diwali” was more than an advertisement. It was a gentle reminder to value traditions and family bonds over materialistic celebrations. By focusing on warmth, simplicity, and cultural values, the brand created a strong emotional connect with its audience.

It showed that Parle-G is not just about biscuits but about moments shared with family and friends. This campaign highlighted the power of nostalgia in advertising and reminded people that the true essence of Diwali lies in love, togetherness, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

9. Himalaya BabyCare - “Listen to a Mother’s Heart” (2022)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2022, Himalaya BabyCare released its Diwali campaign, “Listen to a Mother’s Heart.” The ad highlighted the warmth, love, and care that mothers put into every decision for their children. It showed that when it comes to gifting, especially for babies, what matters most is thoughtfulness and safety.

Through this campaign, Himalaya positioned its Happy Baby Gift Packs as a meaningful gift option. These packs represent a mother’s care by offering safe, gentle, and natural products for delicate baby skin and hair. The ad was not only about selling products but about celebrating the idea of giving with love.

• How People Reacted

Viewers connected strongly with the emotional tone of the ad. Many parents, especially mothers, felt reassured that a brand understood the importance of safe and gentle products for babies. The campaign reminded people that gifts for little ones should go beyond appearances and should actually ensure health, comfort, and safety.

On social media, people appreciated the idea of “listening to a mother’s heart,” as it echoed the trust families place in Himalaya’s natural care products. For many, the ad reinforced why Himalaya is seen as a trusted name for baby care.

• Why This Campaign Matters

The “Listen to a Mother’s Heart” campaign was significant because it went beyond product promotion and spoke about values. It reminded people that gifting during Diwali is not just an exchange of items but an expression of love and thoughtfulness.

By focusing on care and safety, Himalaya strengthened its identity as a brand that understands families and prioritizes well-being. This helped the campaign stand out among typical festive ads and positioned Himalaya BabyCare as a brand that makes every gift feel personal, meaningful, and full of love.

10. Zomato - “A Nation’s Picture Perfect Diwali Moment” (2022)

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• What the Ad is About

In 2022, Zomato released its festive campaign called “A Nation’s Picture Perfect Diwali Moment.” The film featured actor Piyush Mishra as a determined grandfather who, along with his two grandchildren, sets out to create a perfect Diwali moment that represents the spirit of the festival. The story balanced humor with emotion, showing how family traditions, national pride, and togetherness come alive during Diwali.

At the heart of it, food played the central role, reminding people that Diwali is not only about lights and decorations but also about sharing meals and making memories with loved ones. Zomato positioned itself as a brand that makes these moments easier and more enjoyable by ensuring food is always within reach.

• How People Reacted

The ad was appreciated for its mix of humor and heartwarming storytelling. Piyush Mishra’s role as the grandfather stood out and gave the campaign a memorable character that many families connected with. Viewers said the ad reminded them of how food naturally brings people together during festivals.

Families especially enjoyed how the campaign highlighted both tradition and togetherness in a fun and relatable way. On social media, people shared clips and commented on how Zomato captured the essence of Diwali celebrations in an entertaining manner.

• Why This Campaign Matters

The campaign was important because it showed that festive advertising does not always need to focus on glamour or grandeur. By telling a lighthearted yet emotional story, Zomato emphasized its role as more than just a delivery service. It presented itself as part of family celebrations, helping create memories through food and shared experiences. This made the brand stand out during the crowded festive season and reinforced Zomato’s image as a reliable partner in moments of joy.

Conclusion

These 10 ads show how Diwali is more than just a festival of lights. For brands, it is a chance to tell stories that matter: about home, about people who help, about doing the right thing, and about what it means to belong. The ads that last longest are not just flashy and colourful; they are honest. They respect the emotions people already feel. They bring real points of connection.

Make Your Next Festival Campaign Truly Memorable with Tring

Want to launch a campaign with celebrity endorsements, plan event appearances, raise awareness for your product, or connect with customers through influencer marketing? Reach out to Tring. We can help you match with top celebrities, shape messages that resonate, and create ads that people will still talk about next year.