From India Today · Medha Chawla · · 1m 40s
Puzzle Newspapers Bring Back Childhood Joy
Adults rediscover Champak and Nandan puzzle nostalgia through screen-free newspapers.
In brief
Adults rediscover Champak and Nandan puzzle nostalgia through screen-free newspapers. The Picnic Post and Press Play puzzle newspapers offer screen-free activities with Indian cultural references for adults. Originally reported by India Today.
Puzzle Newspapers Return
Puzzle newspapers bring screen-free joy back for adults with nostalgic Indian puzzles.
The Picnic Post Launch
The Picnic Post founders created a puzzle newspaper with Indian references after testing a crossword book.
Cross Wired Bonus
A free 500-clue crossword called Cross Wired was offered for pre-orders of The Picnic Post.
Rapid Subscription Growth
The Picnic Post gained 300 subscribers within a day of its soft launch in July 2026.
Family Puzzle Routine
Gargy, a Delhi student, uses The Picnic Post to solve crosswords with family members.
Digital Puzzle Gap
Divya Arora, 33, found The Picnic Post fills her need for screen-free puzzle activities.
Press Play Origin
Press Play was created by Vidisha Mahajan after her childhood memory of puzzle scrapbooks.
Press Play Launch
Press Play launched in August 2026 as a fortnightly puzzle newspaper for screen-free activities.
Indian Puzzle Focus
Both publications emphasize Indian cultural references over Western puzzle templates.
Subscription Details
The Picnic Post costs Rs 299 monthly with 32-35 puzzles per edition, Press Play costs Rs 399 per copy.
Family and Partner Benefits
The Picnic Post encourages family puzzle sessions and partners who puzzle together stay together.
Market Response
Over 11,000 copies of The Picnic Post sold in first four months with 80% buyers aged 18-35.
The headline
The Picnic Post and Press Play puzzle newspapers offer screen-free activities with Indian cultural references for adults.
