New Facebook features: Social media giant launches new features for Diwali – All you need to know

Facebook has launched a number of features to add an element of fun to your virtual Diwali celebrations this year. These include personalised greetings with Diwali-ready Avatars and an opportunity to encourage your friends and family to participate in fun challenges and spread festive cheer online. 

The new bundle of features include:  

Challenge your friends and family - Share a photo or video of how you are celebrating Diwali at home with your family with the hashtag #DiwaliAtHomeChallenge or create a DIY video of how you recycle light bulbs, candleholders, diyas and lanterns, and challenge your friends to share their Diwali related DIY projects by using #DIYDiwaliChallenge. 

Start a challenge by simply entering a hashtag in English that ends in the word ‘challenge’, when you go to create a new Facebook post, or tap on the “Try It” button when you see another Challenges post in your News Feed.  Add photos and videos to your challenges post this festive season and nominate your friends and family  to join in the fun  by tagging them.   

Dress up your Avatar: Make your short-form text posts even more expressive by sharing a special edition Diwali-themed Avatars Background.  Type your own words - in any language - over one of the colorful backgrounds with your personalized Avatar to match the theme.  

First, create an Avatar from your mobile device and go to “Create Post” composer on Android or iOS and click “Background Color” and select the Diwali background and you are all set!   

 Earlier, Facebook had revealed that more than 4 million people have talked about Diwali through over 7.5 million posts and comments on Facebook since October 20, 2020.

Here are ten of the most popular hashtags related to Diwali in India 

#diwali2020

#diwaligifts

#diwalidecor

#happydiwali

#homedecor

#handmade 

#vocalforlocal

#giftideas

#onlineshopping

#diwalisweets

Diwali gifts for friends and family are a big part of the celebrations with people exploring gift ideas as well as handmade options. A big trend is also towards online shopping this year as people look to stay home and celebrate the festival with their loved ones.