In 2024, you’ve probably seen the word “Manifest” pop up more times than you can count on social media. You might have even found yourself chanting, “I am manifesting my dream job!” or “I am manifesting a better tomorrow!” Well, you’re not alone. The Cambridge Dictionary has crowned “Manifest” its ‘Word of the Year’ for 2024, signalling a cultural shift toward optimism, self-belief, and a sprinkle of good vibes. And guess what? India is all in on this trend, too! “Manifest,” derived from Latin meaning “to make clear,” has taken on new meaning in modern discourse, referring to the act of visualizing and believ-
Manifesting in Style
The practice of manifestation is not a new phenomenon. It has roots in ancient spiri-
tual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and New Thought philosophy. The idea that thoughts can influence reality gained widespread attention in the early 2000s with the success of books like The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. But in recent years, the concept has seen a resurgence, especially among Millennials and
Gen-Z.
Star-Studded Trend
It’s not surprise that Bollywood, always at the forefront of culture, has picked up on this trend. Celebrities like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have long been open about their mental wellness journeys, and lately, they’ve been using “manifestation” as their secret sauce. Deepika has frequently spoken about the power of visualization. Priyanka, whose global success seems almost too perfectly timed, often shares posts about believing in your dreams.
Social Media Buzz
Manifestation has truly found its magic wand on social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have given this word the spotlight. Everyone is talking about their “manifestation rituals.”
“The word ‘manifest’ is sometimes attached with not requiring actual work and simply imagining a positive future,” Jain points out. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and, in some cases, exacerbate feelings of inadequacy when results don’t materialize.
A Gamechanger
So, what’s all the hype about? What makes manifestation so appealing, especially in India? In a country like India, where opportunities sometimes seem scarce and dreams feel out of reach, the idea that we can control our destiny with our thoughts is incredibly empowering. For young Indians, especially millennials and Gen-Z, manifestation offers a new way of thinking about their future. It says: “You don’t have to wait for things to happen to you. You can create your own reality, one positive thought at a time.” In a world where the pressure to succeed can sometimes feel unbearable, having a tool like manifestation offers a sense of hope and personal control.
Stay Focused
Manifestation doesn’t mean you can lie on your couch all day and wait for good things to land in your lap. You still need to put in the effort. The idea is to focus your energy and intentions on your goals. Mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully aware of one’s thoughts and actions, helps prevent the pitfalls of over-reliance on visualization.
The Flip Side
The line between positive thinking and wishful thinking is thin, and without a balance of effort and planning, manifestation can backfire. The downside is an individual putting in all their hopes to pure imagination and failing to put in the effort.
A 2021 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people who relied solely on visualization without taking actionable steps were 18% less likely to achieve their goals.
So, is manifestation just a passing trend, or has it found a permanent home in our lives? The concept has proven to be a unifier in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. Whether you’re in a city or a quiet village, the idea that you hold the power to shape your future resonates deeply.
If manifestation gives people a reason to stay optimistic, why wouldn’t it remain part of our lives? The practice speaks to a universal desire for hope, agency, and connection, things we need now more than ever.
• 72% Gen-7 regularly engage in manifestation practices (YPulse survey 2023)
• Searches for “manifestation” started in 2019 and spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic (Google Trends)
• #Manifestation amassed over 20 billion views on
TikTok in 2023
• ‘Law of Attraction’ related videos garnered over
5 billion views
• Instagram influencers and YouTube creators contributed to the surge via personal success stories and tips on how to “manifest” everything, from career opportunities to relationships.
“With the rise in stress and frustrations, the practice of manifesting offers a way to imagine a better life, a better present, and most importantly a better future.” — Kiara Jain, Psychologist and life coach