5 Diwali Ads Glowing With Heartwarming Humanity

As the festival of lights illuminates streets and homes across India, brands this year are shining a gentle spotlight on something even more enduring than gifts and grandeur – human connection.

From heartfelt reunions to quiet reflections on time, belonging and community, these Diwali campaigns remind us that the true glow of the season comes from togetherness.

vivo - ‘Joy of Homecoming’

Most of us are guilty of getting swept away in the chaos of everyday life which can sometimes put time with loved ones right at the bottom of our priority lists. In ‘Joy of Homecoming’ by FCB India, we see a young professional trying to get on with endless tasks at work while her phone keeps pinging with messages from her father.

When she finally stops to read them, she sees that her dad has found an old letter she once wrote to him, asking when he will be home for Diwali. Except this time, it’s her father’s name signed at the bottom rather than hers. Moved, she puts her work plans aside and travels home early to surprise him. Now, they can both prepare for the festival together, enjoying the small moments of togetherness that we often miss.

L’Oréal Paris - ‘Mujh Mein Hai Diwali’

The first-ever Diwali campaign for L’Oréal Paris features global ambassador Alia Bhatt alongside her friends Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and Anushka Ranjan as they set out to recreate a childhood Diwali photo.

The feeling of this campaign owes a lot to the track, a song written by Prasoon Joshi, chief creative officer and CEO of McCann Worldgroup India, composed by Sneha Khanwalkar and rendered by Harjot Kaur. Blending nostalgia with modern rhythm, the music is uplifting and comforting, sharing the message that Diwali is not just an external celebration but a festival that lives within you.

Titan - ‘A Promise of Time’

In a natural fit for the brand, Titan Watches’ Diwali ad by Ogilvy India focuses on the fact that shared time with loved ones is the most special gift.

In the film, we see a brother receive a frosty welcome from his sister when he arrives for Diwali. He tries to help her set up the lights but their bickering leads to a blackout. He soon comes to realise that his sister is upset as she feels unsupported in her everyday life, dealing with family ups and downs while he’s busy with his new tech business.

After they make up, he gives her his gift:a new watch, except she already has one from him last year. This year, though, the two watches can symbolise the extra time he will make for her. During gift-giving season, it's a poignant reminder that it’s how you show up for each other that really matters.

Birla Opus Paints - ‘Duniya Ko Rang Do’

A parent’s heartbreak at their kids not being able to attend a family gathering is something many can relate to. When her son has to cancel his visit due to work, the downcast mother in ‘Duniya Ko Rang Do’ by Leo India wonders if Diwali should be cancelled altogether since it’ll just be the two of them.

Her husband, though, has other plans, keeping the redecoration of the home going and painting the house in his son’s favourite colour. By inviting their wider community of friends over, he brings the joy back to Diwali and helps his wife see that love and togetherness can still be celebrated, no matter how far their loved ones may be.

Starbucks - ‘Ghar Jaisi Diwali’

Developed by Edelman India and produced by Running Cow Films, ‘Ghar Jaisi Diwali’ recognises how the festival has evolved over the years, from familiar hometown experiences in your childhood home to forming new connections in a new city with neighbours and colleagues who become extended family.

The film captures the everyday intimacy of community as neighbours from Gokul Heights, across ages and life stages, gather at their local Starbucks to celebrate. The coffee chain in India markets itself as ‘The Third Place’, a space between home and work that has become a ‘special jagah’ (‘special place’).

During Diwali, this takes on new meaning when festive decor, drinks and food turn it into a beautiful spot to celebrate. The film points out that ‘sometimes, family isn’t by name but by feeling’.