Pokémon fans, get ready to see your favorite electric mouse in a whole new light! Pikachu is donning a festive Indian look, celebrating the season with style in an all-new campaign titled “Pokémon Festivities.” Featuring Pikachu dressed in a traditional navy-blue kurta with a beige vest for the male version, and a pink saree for the female version, this
celebration brings a vibrant fusion of gaming and culture, all while capturing the hearts of Pokémon enthusiasts.
The exciting campaign is not just about fashion—it’s about bringing a special cultural connection between Pokémon and India. Collaborating with Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd., The Pokémon Company has also launched limited-edition Pikachu-themed gift boxes, making this festive season even more delightful for Indian fans. Whether you’re in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru, these adorable gift boxes featuring Pikachu in its festive attire are up for grabs when purchasing select Yakult sets. Deliveries are being made until 31 October 2024, making it a perfect treat for fans of all ages.
Of course, no Pokémon celebration would be complete without a digital twist. The campaign spans across digital platforms, including special in-game appearances in Pokémon GO, allowing Trainers to experience the Indian-attired Pikachu in a whole new way. From 1 to 4 November, Trainers can catch this uniquely dressed Pikachu in-game, with extra bonuses and raids to mark the festivities.
Bollywood power couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh are the faces of this campaign, bringing their own charm and excitement to the event. As the official brand ambassadors for Pokémon GO in India, Riteish and Genelia’s involvement adds a touch of Bollywood glamour to the celebration. Both spoke passionately at the campaign’s launch, sharing how much Pokémon means to them as parents and fans:
“Our kids love Pikachu, and now they can celebrate the festive season with their favorite character in a way that feels truly special to our culture,” Genelia shared with a smile.
Riteish added, “Seeing Pikachu in a kurta is not just adorable, it’s a symbol of how global icons like Pokémon can embrace different cultures. We’re proud to be part of this!”
In addition to their heartfelt enthusiasm, the couple shared a fun moment at the event, joining Pikachu for a quick dance in celebration of the campaign, drawing cheers from the audience. The presence of media personalities and popular influencers like Yuvika Abrol, Ritcha Verma, Vivin, Satrupa Sharma, Deepali Soam and Afsha Galar only added to the festive atmosphere.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! A vibrant Pokémon Mela will be held from 6-8 December 2024 at Phoenix Marketcity, Pune, offering fans an immersive experience filled with games, stage shows, and interactive activities. Visitors will get the chance to see Pikachu in its festive look, participate in mini-games, and win exclusive Pokémon goodies. It’s an event you won’t want to miss, as fans will have the opportunity to take pictures with Pikachu, grab gifts, and enjoy the cultural fusion that this campaign brings.
The festive vibes continue on social media, with a new set of 10 animated GIF stickers featuring Pikachu in its Indian attire. These playful stickers are inspired by common Indian gestures, bringing a touch of Pikachu’s signature charm to everyday digital conversations. Available until January 2025, they’re a fun way to spread some festive cheer online.
And if you’re a fan of Pokémon Kids TV, keep an eye out for Pikachu’s festive dance video, set to drop on 16 October 2024. The video features the popular Japanese influencers Mayo Japan and Kaketaku dancing alongside Pikachu, blending both Indian and Japanese cultural elements into a lively, feel-good performance. This cross-cultural celebration is sure to keep fans glued to their screens.
Speaking at the event, Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer at The Pokémon Company, expressed the motivation behind this unique campaign: “We are thrilled to bring Pikachu’s festive Indian look to our fans in India. Pikachu has become a beloved character across the world, and this campaign helps us build a special connection with our fans here. We hope this will bring joy during the festive season and make everyone feel closer to Pokémon.”
Niantic, co-developer of Pokémon GO, also joined in on the celebration, with Omar Tellez, Vice-President at Niantic, commenting on the cultural significance of Pikachu’s new look: “Bringing Pikachu’s Indian look into Pokémon GO reinforces our commitment to providing innovative experiences for Indian Trainers. The game allows players to enjoy cultural festivities in a fun and interactive way, blending tradition with technology.”
This campaign exemplifies how global pop culture phenomena like Pokémon can seamlessly blend with local traditions, making it relatable to fans across different cultures. By adding an Indian twist to Pikachu, The Pokémon Company has successfully tapped into India’s vibrant festival season, creating a campaign that resonates with fans both young and old.
With Pikachu’s new look, exciting in-game activities, a star-studded launch event, and a range of interactive experiences lined up for the months ahead, this festive season is sure to be unforgettable for Pokémon lovers across India. Whether you’re participating in the in-game event on Pokémon GO, visiting the Pokémon Mela, or enjoying Yakult’s gift box offerings, the joy and excitement of this campaign are bound to spark festive cheer.
For Pokémon fans in India, this campaign truly brings together the magic of gaming, culture, and community. So grab your Poké Balls, celebrate the festive season with Pikachu, and experience the joy of Pokémon like never before!
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