Bengaluru's 'puzzlers' are piecing together new friendships

Puzzles have always offered a unique sense of satisfaction. Now, in Bengaluru, they’re also providing a vital social connection. Bengalureans are turning to puzzles, not just as a pastime, but as a way to forge new friendships. Bangalore Puzzle Pals, led by Asma, is one community drawing in those seeking both the mental stimulation of puzzles and the warmth of new friendships. This weekly gathering is attracting many and in the process, transforming a classic pastime into a modern social experience, finds Bangalore Times.

‘More than just enjoyment, Puzzling provides mental health support in uncertain times’
Asma shares that it was during the pandemic that she turned to puzzling as a calming outlet. “I remember sitting down to do my first 1,000-piece puzzle and before I knew it, I had spent two days straight finishing it. The experience was so enjoyable I couldn’t stop and instantly bought more puzzles, and asked around to borrow some as well. The pandemic, though uncertain and stressful, offered me an opportunity to slow down by doing puzzles. While puzzling, I’d often listen to audiobooks, which is one of my favourite things to do that helps me feel calm, peaceful, and incredibly satisfied.”
‘A space where people could come together to puzzle and socialise’
Although puzzling is typically a solo pursuit, Asma says she saw the potential for community and friendship through a shared puzzling experience. “I have been running board games meet up and I am very passionate about building a community over a shared passion. Combining this with my newfound passion for puzzles felt like a natural step. Around a year ago, when a friend opened a space and invited me over to bring my puzzle-related activities, I quickly came to realise that many people like me shared this interest. I was excited to create a space where people could come together to puzzle, socialise, and occasionally compete in puzzle events,” she says.

‘Puzzling is a less socially taxing hobby’
“Puzzling attracts introverted people as it doesn’t require social interaction, which is perfect as for many people traditional socialising might be a bit taxing. People are free to puzzle on their own, however, over time these introverted puzzle lovers naturally bond with others. This creates a comfortable space where there is no pressure to make new friendships,” says Asma.

‘Finished puzzles are swapped’
The space also promotes puzzle sustainability through a cycle of selling and swapping finished puzzles. “Once someone finishes a puzzle, there’s an organic system of selling or swapping to keep it going. Many see puzzling as a once-only activity. By selling or swapping, they get to try something new and it makes the hobby more sustainable. In this community, people often share deals, discounts, and special finds with each other,” says Asma.

‘The beauty of this community is its inclusivity’
From toddlers to seniors, puzzles are for everyone, shares Asma. “Some may come alone, others with friends, each experience is tailored to them. Today, we have nearly 600 members in our WhatsApp community with over 300 members based in Bengaluru. We also have competitive puzzle events that are held monthly or every six weeks where people can compete in different puzzle categories. It’s been a gratifying journey to witness how this community is growing. This community is not just about puzzles; it is also a space where people can unwind and bond over a shared activity,” she says.

‘Puzzles offer a unique experience of accomplishment’
Asma notes that there’s a wonderful sense of accomplishment in finishing a puzzle. “Seeing people find childlike joy in puzzles is incredible. As we grow up, it is rare to experience the feeling of finishing something and being truly proud of it. With puzzles, when one finishes it, they know that they’ve made something and no one can take that sense of accomplishment away from them.”