Haldi bingo is a game for the morning of the turmeric ceremony: every card is filled with things you can see, hear and catch at the haldi, from marigold garlands and mango leaves to “someone slips!” and “the bride giggles”. Print up to 200 free haldi bingo cards with a caller list and a rules page, or play online on phones. Guests mark an item when it is called, or when they spot it happening.
Haldi bingo to print (PDF)
These four pages show a haldi bingo set: a page of two 5 by 5 cards, a page of quick 4 by 4 cards, the caller list with all 30 items and moments, and the one-page rules. Click any picture for the PDF, or use the generator at the top of the page to change the squares, the title and the number of cards.
What is on the haldi bingo cards
The starter list has 30 squares in three groups. Most are things that appear at every haldi, so every guest can mark a few on the first look around, and ten are moments that need a watchful eye.
| Group | Squares | Squares on the starter list |
|---|---|---|
| Things you can see | 18 | Marigold, Turmeric paste, Yellow kurta, Kalash, Mango leaves, Rose petals, Sandalwood, Rangoli, Flower jewellery, Brass plate, Mustard oil, Rice grains, Genda garland, Yellow saree, Floral umbrella, Photo booth frame, Rose water, Yellow bangles |
| Sounds and music | 2 | Dhol, Aunties sing folk songs |
| Moments to catch | 10 | Haldi-smeared cheeks, Cousins take a selfie, Family starts dancing, Water balloons, Kids run around, Tea break, Someone slips!, Bride giggles, Groom’s sister arrives, Flower rain |
How to play haldi bingo
- Give every guest a different card and a pen, or a few petals as markers.
- The host calls an item (“mango leaves!”), or a moment, such as “cousins take a selfie”, when it happens.
- Guests mark the item if it is on their card and they can point to it, and mark a moment only when they see it.
- The first guest with a full line, the four corners or the whole card shouts bingo.
- The host checks the squares against the caller list before giving the prize.
How long does haldi bingo last?
If the host calls all the squares in a random order, the game ends when a guest completes a line. The 30-square starter list is small, and a 5 by 5 card holds 24 of the squares, so lines arrive fast. This simulation counts the items called, with 10, 20 and 40 guests.
| Card | Players | First line (call) | Four corners (call) | Full card (call) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 | 10 players | 11 (10 to 13) | 16 (14 to 19) | 29 (28 to 29) |
| 5 by 5 | 20 players | 10 (9 to 11) | 14 (12 to 16) | 29 (28 to 29) |
| 5 by 5 | 40 players | 9 (8 to 10) | 12 (10 to 14) | 28 (28 to 29) |
| 4 by 4 | 10 players | 10 (9 to 12) | 17 (14 to 19) | 27 (26 to 28) |
| 4 by 4 | 20 players | 9 (8 to 10) | 14 (12 to 16) | 26 (25 to 27) |
| 3 by 3 | 10 players | 8 (6 to 9) | 16 (14 to 19) | 24 (22 to 25) |
| 3 by 3 | 20 players | 6 (5 to 8) | 14 (12 to 16) | 22 (21 to 24) |
With 30 squares, a first line arrives after about 10 calls and a full card after about 29. If you play the moments as they happen, the game takes as long as the ceremony does, so keep a few easy items in reserve to call.
Haldi ceremony games: where bingo fits
Haldi ceremony games have to work around the ritual: a few minutes of rituals, then a long wait for the paste to dry. Bingo fits into both parts. Use the object squares during the waiting time, when the host calls them one by one, and play the moment squares during the ritual, when guests watch for the cheek-smearing and the selfies.
Haldi function games for the whole family
Haldi function games should include everyone: the aunties, the cousins and the kids. Bingo does that, because the squares range from the easy (“marigold”) to the funny (“someone slips!”). Print a few extra cards in large size for the elders, and let the children hunt for the items around the venue.
Haldi games for cousins and kids
Haldi games for cousins and kids can turn the bingo into a scavenger hunt. Give each child a card and a pencil, and let them find the items on the card around the venue. The first child to complete a line wins a small prize. Turmeric stains, so keep the cards in a clear sleeve or use stickers as markers.
Haldi party games to play after the ritual
Haldi party games after the ritual can go from calm to lively. After the bingo, play haldi tambola, or a round of antakshari. For the background of the ceremony, see Wikipedia’s turmeric article.
Run haldi bingo in six steps
- Plan: look through the 30 starter squares and add items from your own family, such as a special sweet or a pet.
- Print: print one card for each guest, plus the caller list and the rules.
- At the start: hand out the cards and a few petals or stickers as markers.
- During the ritual: the host calls items and watches for the moments.
- Check: when a guest shouts bingo, check the squares against the caller list.
- Reward: give a small prize for the first line, the four corners and the full card.
Prize ideas for haldi bingo
- A small packet of sweets for the first line
- A marigold garland or a yellow dupatta for the four corners
- A brass diya or a small thali for the full card
- A photo frame for the guest who spots the most moments
- A pack of bangles for the youngest winner
Tips for the host
- Add a few moments that are sure to happen, such as the dhol, so that every guest can mark something.
- Keep a few easy items in reserve, so the game can finish even if the moments are slow.
- Use stickers or petals as markers, and avoid pens near the turmeric.
- Ask a cousin to be the scorer, so that the host can take part in the ritual.
Wikipedia’s turmeric article describes the plant, its uses in cooking and ritual, and its history.
Play haldi bingo online
Press Create game and share one link on WhatsApp. Every guest gets a different card on their phone, and you check winners by card number on your screen. You can personalize the squares before you start, and Download these cards (PDF) prints the same cards for guests who prefer paper. It is helpful for relatives who cannot join the ceremony in person.
Haldi bingo: frequently asked questions
How do you play haldi bingo?
Every guest gets a card with items and moments from the haldi. The host calls items, and guests mark them if they are on their card. Moments, such as the bride giggling, are marked when they happen. The first full line wins.
Can I add my own squares to haldi bingo?
Yes. Every square is editable: add the names of the family, a favorite sweet or an inside joke, and the cards, the caller list and the online game all use your version.
Is haldi bingo suitable for children?
Yes. Use the 3 by 3 size for young children, and choose the object squares, such as marigold and rangoli, which they can find easily.
Can I change the squares?
Yes. Every square is editable in the generator: add names, inside jokes or your own list, and the cards, the caller list and the online game all use your version.
Is it free to download and play?
Yes. Printable cards, the PDF download and the online game are all free, with no app and no sign-up.