Indian life in Qatar: food, festivals and entertainment

Qatar is home to 830,491 overseas Indians. Here is where to find Indian food, festivals and entertainment there. For the Indian embassy and NRI services, see NRI services in Qatar.

Where to find Indian food and shops

Indian restaurants of every regional cuisine are found across Doha, from small Keralam and Andhra eateries in the older districts to fine dining in the hotels. Two South Indian chains from Chennai, Saravanaa Bhavan and Sangeetha, have branches in Doha.

Festivals and celebrations

The Indian Cultural Centre, which works under the Embassy, and the many Indian community associations hold Diwali, Onam, Holi and Independence Day celebrations. See Visit Qatar for the country's events calendar.

Culture and films

New Indian films usually open in Qatar's cinemas in the same week as in India, and Indian musicians perform in Doha through the year.

Overseas Indian figures: Ministry of External Affairs, as of January 2026.