Association Between Leisure and Happiness: Evidence from Indian States

This study investigates the association between leisure time and happiness across Indian states and Union Territories (UTs) during 2019-2020. Using data from the Time Use Survey 2019 and the India Happiness Report 2020, it explores leisure participation rates for men and women, gender differences in leisure allocation, and the correlation between leisure time and state-level happiness scores. Employing Spearman rank correlation, the research finds no significant relationship between leisure time and happiness scores, aligning with previous studies. The study highlights the nuanced nature of leisure activities, emphasizing that the quality of leisure pursuits, rather than their quantity, plays a pivotal role in shaping happiness. It underscores the evolving leisure consciousness in Indian society and calls for further research into the qualitative dimensions of leisure experiences and their impact on well-being. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of leisure’s role in enhancing individual happiness in India.