Diwali shopping has generated more than ₹7 lakh crore in business across India, with total festive trade expected to exceed ₹7 lakh crore. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Delhi alone has recorded sales exceeding ₹80,000 crore, reflecting strong consumer demand during the festive period. The trading body reported that market activity accelerated sharply around Dhanteras, with waves of buyers flooding markets on Friday, and expects sales to rise further as festive purchases continue. This year's Diwali-related trade in the national capital has crossed a record ₹80,000 crore, showcasing robust consumer demand across multiple product categories.
Gold, silver and jewellery emerged among the key demand drivers, while electronics and home appliances recorded strong sales. As reported by CAIT, particularly popular items included mobile phones, LED televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and automobiles including cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Clothing and fashion recorded brisk sales with sarees, suits, kurtas, readymade garments, children's clothing and traditional attire flying off the shelves. Traditional shopping categories also contributed significantly, with consumers buying puja and decorative items such as earthen diyas, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, sweets and food products. Handicrafts and swadeshi products including khadi, handloom products, handcrafted decorative articles, and goods prepared by women's self-help groups have recorded robust sales.
The automobile sector has witnessed exceptional growth during the festive season, with retail automobile sales registering 55% growth across the country. According to CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal, two-wheelers recorded 110% growth, three-wheelers 110% growth, commercial vehicles 48% growth, passenger vehicles 70% growth, and tractors 58% growth. This strong performance indicates robust consumer demand and reflects the positive business outlook during the festive season. The automobile sector's exceptional growth has contributed significantly to the overall festive business turnover.
Nearly five crore gifts were exchanged during the Diwali festival period, contributing substantially to festive sales across the country. CTI arrived at its estimated business projections after consultations with representatives of hotel and banquet associations, restaurant and mall associations, cinema associations, shopping centre associations, automobile dealer associations, makeup and salon associations, tour and travel associations, market associations and industry bodies. Delhi's traders were expecting festive business worth around ₹80,000 crore, with the period between October 1 and November 1 having witnessed rallies and protests that resulted in estimated business losses of approximately ₹14,000 crore for traders in the national capital. Business activity is now picking up pace, with large crowds visiting markets across Delhi for festive shopping.
