Festivals such as Navratri, Ramleela, Garba, and Dandiya, celebrated across the country for ten days each year, are expected to significantly boost commercial activities this time. According to an estimate by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the business across the country is likely to exceed Rs 50,000 crore during the next ten days. Delhi alone is expected to witness a business of over Rs 8,000 crore. The markets are expected to be bustling with activity, benefiting traders substantially. *Last year the trade figure during these 10 days was approx 35 thousand crores.*
CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, stated that the special aspect of this festive shopping is that the majority of the products sold will be Indian-made. People’s fascination with Chinese goods has faded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives have boosted the quality of Indian products, which are now better than any foreign goods. This has led to a shift in consumer preference toward purchasing Indian goods.
More than 1 lakh small and large events like Navratri, Ramleela, Garba, and Dandiya are organized across the country, featuring a variety of religious, cultural, social, and spiritual programs. Large-scale devotional music programs are also held. These festivals provide employment to millions of people. The festive season will conclude with Vijayadashami, Durga Visarjan, Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja, and Tulsi Vivah. Mr. Khandelwal also mentioned that over 1,000 Ramleelas are held in Delhi alone, along with hundreds of Durga Puja pandals. Dandiya and Garba, originally celebrated in Gujarat, are now widely organized across the country, including Delhi, with millions of people joining in the festivities. It is believed that celebrating festivals brings prosperity and good fortune to homes.
Mr. Khandelwal added that during the festive season, there is a significant increase in demand for traditional clothing such as sarees, lehengas, and kurtas, especially during Navratri and Ramleela. People buy new clothes for religious ceremonies, which boosts trade in this category. There is also a high demand for puja materials on a large scale. Essential items for worship like fruits, flowers, coconuts, chunari, lamps, incense sticks, and other puja materials are in great demand.
He further explained that food items and sweets are also highly sought after during festivals. Consumption of sweets such as halwa, laddoo, barfi, and others increases, along with a rise in demand for fruits and flowers. Decorative items like diyas, torans, rangoli materials, and lighting are also in demand for decorating homes and puja pandals.
Mr. Khandelwal highlighted that businesses related to tent houses for setting up pandals and decoration companies see a surge in trade during these ten days. Across the country, numerous fairs and festival-related events are organized, attracting millions of participants.
He concluded that these celebrations not only strengthen religious faith but also promote cultural unity and boost commercial activities.