Diwali-related trade across India is expected to exceed Rs 7 lakh crore, while sales in the national capital have crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark, amid a surge in festive shopping that peaked on Dhanteras, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
In a statement issued on Saturday, CAIT said nationwide Diwali business had already crossed Rs 6 lakh crore, with strong consumer demand across several product categories. The trading body attributed the surge to heavy footfall in markets and robust buying sentiment.
Gold, silver and jewellery, along with electronic goods and home appliances such as mobile phones, LED televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners, witnessed strong demand.
Clothing and fashion products, including sarees, suits, kurtas, readymade garments, children’s wear and traditional attire, also recorded brisk sales. Demand for festive essentials such as earthen diyas, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, puja materials, sweets and food products remained high.
The automobile sector, including cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, also witnessed encouraging demand. Handicrafts and Swadeshi products, including khadi, handloom items, handcrafted decorations and goods made by local artisans and women’s self-help groups, recorded robust sales.
CAIT Secretary General and MP Praveen Khandelwal said Diwali-related trade in Delhi had crossed Rs 1 lakh crore, while nationwide business had exceeded Rs 6 lakh crore. Given the continued increase in customer footfall and strong buying sentiment, the overall figure was expected to surpass Rs 7 lakh crore, he added.
According to CAIT, the surge in festive business has generated significant economic benefits for small and medium-sized traders, street vendors, daily-wage workers, micro and cottage industries, self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, artisans, transport operators, packaging businesses and logistics and delivery services.
Khandelwal said consumer preferences had increasingly shifted towards Indian products, reflecting the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeals for ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the promotion of Swadeshi goods.
He said Indian artisans, domestic manufacturers, small-scale industries and local entrepreneurs were receiving substantial support from consumers during the festive season.
Commenting on the impact of the festive shopping surge in Delhi, Khandelwal said the strong market turnout had provided fresh momentum to commercial activities following business losses allegedly suffered due to the Opposition rally on November 1 and protests and demonstrations across the capital over the past month.
He said millions of traders, shopkeepers, street vendors, daily-wage workers and small entrepreneurs had benefited from the increased festive spending.
Khandelwal added that while peaceful protests and demonstrations were a democratic right, political activities should not disrupt public mobility, traders’ livelihoods or the daily earnings of millions of families.
On behalf of Delhi’s trading community, CAIT thanked residents for their enthusiasm and participation in this year’s Diwali celebrations.
(IANS Inputs)
