Making Galentine’s about movement and community

Hotels and studios are curating wellness- forward events such as Pilates mornings for this special day

- Anoushka Madan

Galentine's Day plans are no longer limited to elaborate brunches, themed cocktails and wine-heavy dinners.

In the wellness-forward social culture of 2026, spending time with friends is just as likely to involve a Pilates class at sunrise, a shared spa ritual or a creative workshop where the emphasis is on creating something meaningful together. Importantly, many of these events don’t just target existing friend groups, but they are designed as a low-pressure way to meet new people through shared experiences.

The shift reflects how urban Indians are rethinking socialising itself. Galentine’s, once positioned as a cheeky counterpoint to Valentine's Day (and celebrated unofficially on 13 February), is now being shaped by the same forces driving the country’s booming wellness economy. Studios, cafés and events are using the occasion to curate experiences that combine movement, mindfulness and community. While evening drinks with friends remain popular, fitness-focused mornings, self-care dates and low-alcohol gatherings are a big draw. A report by the market research firm IMARC Group, noted India’s wellness sector is a substantial and growing part of the broader lifestyle economy—valued at about ₹14 billion in 2024 and projected to reach nearly ₹23 billion by 2033, reflecting rising consumer demand for health, fitness and wellbeing services. This growth underpins new formats of gathering that make space for physical and emotional wellbeing as part of how people socialise. It is evident in the programming around Galentine’s Day.