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The festive season has begun and Indian merchants are anticipating the highest ever sales during this Diwali. This year sales would break the previous mark of Rs 4.75 lakh crore, with the increasing demand for Indian-made products as one of the reasons, according to Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

CAIT Secretary General and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal said the organisation’s survey across 35 cities revealed strong festive sentiments among consumers and traders. “This Diwali will be celebrated as Apni Diwali, Bharatiya Diwali under CAIT’s campaign Bhartiya Saaman – Hamara Swabhiman,” he said, attributing the growth to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Vocal for Local – Local for Global’ and the recent reduction in GST rates.

Festive sales have seen consistent growth over the past four years, rising from Rs 1.25 lakh crore in 2021 to Rs 4.25 lakh crore in 2024, with this year’s projection at Rs 4.75 lakh crore, as per CAIT. Delhi alone is expected to contribute Rs 75,000 crore to the overall festive business.

An exhibition of Swadeshi products made by women entrepreneurs was organised at the press conference, showcasing a wide range of high-quality, competitively priced Indian goods. The festive calendar spans Navratri through Diwali, extending to Chhath Puja and Tulsi Vivah, with traders across the country pledging to promote Indian-made goods at every step.

CAIT noted that Chinese products have almost disappeared from Indian markets. Since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, traders and consumers have increasingly boycotted Chinese items. This Diwali, importers have reportedly stopped bringing festival-related goods from China altogether.

Among the categories, the major ones driving the Swadeshi movement are clay lamps, idols, handicrafts, puja essentials, home décor, garments, electronics, automobiles, toys, sweets, kitchenware, furniture, and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) items. Gradually, the consumers have visible interest in these products and are making their presence felt in the contest of the Indian-made goods.

During Diwali, food and grocery items led spending at 13 per cent, followed by apparel at 12 per cent, jewellery at 9 per cent, and electronics and gift items at 8 per cent each. Sweets accounted for 4 per cent, while fruits, dry fruits, home décor, and pooja items together made up 9 per cent of total spending.

The promotion of local goods and the growing preference for Indian-made products would definitely help the domestic manufacturing and retail sectors, thus making this Diwali remarkable for both traders and consumers.