New Delhi, Oct 21: India witnessed its highest-ever Diwali season turnover this year, with total sales reaching ₹6.05 lakh crore — comprising ₹5.40 lakh crore in goods and ₹65,000 crore in services.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), this represents a remarkable 25% increase over 2024’s Diwali sales of ₹4.25 lakh crore.
The data, compiled by the CAIT Research & Trade Development Society, is based on a pan-India survey across 60 key distribution hubs, covering Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities. The survey spanned the festive period from Navratri (September 29) to Diwali (October 20) and assessed sales trends, consumer sentiment, and the broader economic impact of policy shifts.
Key drivers of growth
CAIT attributed this record-breaking performance to two primary factors:
The report described PM Modi as a "brand ambassador" for Swadeshi goods and GST relief, noting that his call to support Indian-made products deeply resonated with both retailers and consumers.
Shift toward Swadeshi products
The study revealed that 87% of consumers preferred Indian-made products over imported goods, contributing to a sharp decline in demand for Chinese items across major markets. Indian manufacturers saw sales rise by over 25% compared to last year, highlighting growing momentum behind the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Retail and sectoral performance
Traditional retail made a strong comeback, with brick-and-mortar stores accounting for 85% of total sales. Sector-wise contributions included:
Other categories such as ready-made garments, home décor, sweets, furnishings, and gifting items recorded double-digit growth across various regions.
Boom in services sector
The festive season also sparked a boom in the service sector, with an estimated ₹65,000 crore generated through packaging, travel, hospitality, event management, delivery, cab services, and manpower agencies. This growth reinforced the strength of India’s broader retail ecosystem.
Economic optimism remained high during the season. The Trader Confidence Index (TCI) rose to 8.6 (from 7.8 in 2024), while the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) increased to 8.4, reflecting strong confidence in the economy’s stability and spending potential.
