The experience.
Diwali Utsav reimagines the traditions of the Festival of Lights as natural, hands-on spatial interactions in Mixed Reality.
A floating festive menu serves as the main activity palette, offering immediate access to 18 distinct celebration activities. Place and light virtual diyas, enjoy colorful rangoli, and draw glowing trails with a sparkler. Explore a festive collection of virtual fireworks, from sparkling anar fountains and spinning chakris to rockets and multi-shot sky displays without real smoke, fire hazards, or cleanup. Pick up and arrange items using hand tracking or controllers, then light their wicks and fuses to start the celebration. Celebrate at your own pace, experiment with your favorite effects, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Diwali without real flames, smoke, or firecrackers.
Developed for the Meta VR Start Developer Competition 2026, Diwali Utsav is live on the Meta Quest Store, demonstrating how cultural heritage and immersive technology can unite to make traditional celebrations accessible, safe, and memorable anywhere.
