Amidst confusion over the date of Diwali celebrations, and following scriptural guidance and the advice of eminent scholars, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has announced that Diwali will be celebrated with grandeur across the country on 20th October.

Traders will perform Shri Ganesh and Goddess Mahalakshmi puja at their business establishments and homes. In some regions, Diwali may also be celebrated on 21st October depending on local conditions; however, major religious cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Mathura will celebrate Deepotsav on 20th October itself.

*Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Delhi, and Secretary General of CAIT*, stated that this year’s Diwali is expected to *generate festive sales exceeding ₹5 lakh crore*, which will significantly boost liquidity flow in the economy, strengthen trade, and inject new enthusiasm into the consumer market.

Mr. Khandelwal said that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Swadeshi” (local products), CAIT has resolved to celebrate this year as “Swadeshi Indian Diwali.” Under this initiative, CAIT launched a nationwide campaign titled *“Bhartiya Samaan — Hamara Swabhiman”* (Indian Goods — Our Pride), which has received tremendous response across the country. Traders nationwide have promoted Indian-made goods, while consumers have shown remarkable pride and confidence in the “Make in India” vision.

He further added that major GST rate reductions introduced by the Modi Government have given new strength to domestic trade and played a crucial role in promoting Swadeshi products.

As a result, foreign—particularly Chinese—goods have completely vanished from Indian markets this Diwali. CAIT’s “Boycott Chinese Goods” campaign, initiated in 2021, has now transformed into a national movement, with both traders and consumers united in rejecting Chinese products.

Markets across the country are witnessing massive crowds this festive season. The traditional “touch and feel” shopping experience has returned, delivering a major setback to online sales. Traders are jubilant, consumers are delighted — and this Diwali has truly set a new benchmark in India’s trade history.

*Key product categories witnessing a massive surge in sales include sweets, dry fruits, fruits, food grains, readymade garments, textiles, consumer durables, electronics, mobiles, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, automobiles, two-wheelers, jewellery, gold, silver, coins, gift items, decorative materials, puja items, earthen diyas, lighting products, and furnishing fabrics*

Additionally, several service sectors have also greatly benefited from the Diwali season — including transport, packaging, logistics, catering, event management, beauty salons, travel, hospitality, and entertainment industries.

Mr. Khandelwal remarked that this festival is not only a celebration of lights but also a symbol of the resurgence of Swadeshi trade. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s trading community is moving firmly ahead on the path of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Acharya Durgesh Tare, Chairman of CAIT’s Veda and Astrology Committee and a renowned scholar from the holy city of Ujjain, stated that on 20th October, the most auspicious timings for Mahalakshmi Puja will be from 1:38 PM to 7:30 PM and 10:38 PM to 12:11 AM.