Mahjong is back in vogue: how an ancient Chinese game became a hit among zoomers

Today, it's a trend sweeping New York, Mumbai and Seoul. Stylish, tactile and strategically challenging, mahjong is appealing to young people around the world. As the authors of the Harper's Bazaar India article state, "it has become an aesthetic alternative to digital noise - and the perfect way to regain focus and community."

What is mahjong?

Mahjong is a 144-tile game for four people, originally from late 19th century China. Players pick up and drop tiles in an attempt to put together a winning combination. The winner loudly pronounces: "Mahjongg!" - and gets the recognition he deserves.

"We don't have a dress code - whoever comes in what," says Sabrina Tan, founder of Mahjong Lah, a Singapore-based mahjong school.

She was the first to systematise the teaching of mahjong in the country. This democratic approach is close to today's players.

"Loose trousers, a neat manicure, an eye-catching ring - you're in character but ready to fight the dragon," laughs Ishira Kumar, one of the founders of The Mahjong Network in Mumbai.

The initiative has grown into a full-fledged movement. The co-founders - also entrepreneur Maneka Jain Daswani and social media specialist Ria Bajaj - have adapted the Chinese tradition to the Indian context.

"Mahjong has an elegant minimalism," says Kumar.

The game demands full attention.

"You can't scroll through your phone and play at the same time. That's what people like," adds Daswani.

Community and digital detox

Yes, there are mahjong apps, but the real magic is in the sound of chips and live interaction.

"It's the perfect antidote to mindless scrolling," Daswani believes. "You can't play at half strength - and it's mesmerising."

Mumbai-based instructor Sharon Dhondi agrees:

"I wake up in a good mood knowing that I will meet my friends and spend time playing."

According to Kumar, friendships, collaborations and even romantic acquaintances are made at the table.

Even in the U.S., mahjong is booming.

"The Green Tile Social Club organises stylish meet-ups in restaurants and bars - and this especially attracts youngsters," says Tan.

And Ishira adds:

"It's not a club where you play. It's a game around which a community is built. That's an important nuance."

The game is timeless and borderless

Mahjong has united generations and cultures.

"Once a Japanese woman brought her elderly mum who didn't speak English. But at the end, we all played together - without words," Tan recalls.

In India, young mums, office workers and grandmothers can be seen at the table.

"It's a crossroads of lives where people just want to play," notes Daswani.

American historian Annelise Heinz, author of Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture, explains the game's popularity among retirees:

"They are looking for new acquaintances and like intellectual entertainment."

"The chips are beautiful, the sound is mesmerising. It's a sensory treat," says Heinz.

Bajaj adds: "Mahjong has pure aesthetics. Symmetry, rare combinations, and, of course, Instagram photos. If you don't post it, it's like you never played." But she warns, "After the fifth consecutive post, you may be asked if you still have a job."

Tan also notes the visual charm of the game, "Especially the classic green sets. And my favourite now is the jade colour, it looks premium."

Pop culture and screen effect

"Every time mahjong appears in a film, there is a return of interest," confirms Heinz.

Such was the case after The Joy Luck Club and Crazy Rich Asians. Tan notes that after the latter film, many tourists in Singapore come to class just because of the mahjong scene. Even Julia Roberts once called it "a way to bring order to chaos".

And in India, Daswani says, it's all gone through word of mouth. "

Someone started learning, then others started learning, and then everyone was playing. The fear of missing out did the trick."

Today, mahjong is not just a trend. It's a way to reconnect with others and yourself. And perhaps the rare case when a trendy hobby actually brings joy - and meaning.