New Delhi [India], October 21 (ANI): Diwali 2025 witnessed record-breaking sales, with total festive trade reaching Rs 6.05 lakh crore, reflecting the strength of India’s economy and the Swadeshi spirit, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Goods sales touched Rs 5.40 lakh crore, while services contributed Rs 65,000 crore, marking the highest-ever festive business in India’s trading history.
The findings come from CAIT’s nationwide survey across 60 major distribution centres, including state capitals and Tier 2 and 3 cities, conducted by its research wing, CAIT Research & Trade Development Society.
Praveen Khandelwal, Delhi’s Chandni Chowk MP and CAIT Secretary General, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Vocal for Local” and “Swadeshi Diwali” resonated with consumers, with 87 per cent preferring Indian-made goods over imports, resulting in a 25 per cent surge in sales of Indian products compared to last year.
Sector-wise, Grocery & FMCG led with 12 per cent, followed by Gold & Jewellery at 10 per cent, Electronics & Electricals at 8 per cent, Consumer Durables and Ready-made Garments at 7 per cent each, and Gift Items at 7 per cent. Home Decor, Furniture & Furnishing, and Sweets & Namkeen contributed 5 per cent each, Textiles & Fabrics 4 per cent, Pooja Articles, Fruits & Dry Fruits, and Bakery & Confectionery 3 per cent each, Footwear 2 per cent, and Other Miscellaneous Items accounted for 19 per cent.
Services such as packaging, hospitality, cab services, travel, event management, tent & decoration, manpower, and delivery contributed Rs 65,000 crore, highlighting the broader impact of the festive economy.
The report also emphasised the role of GST rationalisation, with 72 per cent of surveyed traders attributing higher sales volumes to reduced GST rates on daily-use items, footwear, garments, confectionery, home decor, and consumer durables.
Trader and consumer confidence reached decade-high levels, with the Trader Confidence Index (TCI) at 8.6/10 and the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) at 8.4/10. The surge in festive consumption is expected to continue through winter, weddings, and upcoming festivals from mid-January.
CAIT highlighted the employment impact of the Diwali trade, stating that 50 lakh temporary jobs were created in logistics, packaging, transport, and retail services. Rural and semi-urban areas contributed 28 per cent of total trade, indicating growing economic participation beyond metro cities.
The report recommended simplifying GST compliance, enhancing credit access for small traders, developing logistics and warehousing hubs in Tier 2 and 3 cities, promoting low-MDR digital payments, improving market infrastructure, and continuing coordinated Swadeshi promotion.
“This year’s Diwali has been historic—a festival of prosperity, nationalism, and economic confidence,” the CAIT Research & Trade Development Society said. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s retail trade sector has proven itself as the backbone of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, symbolising the fusion of tradition, technology, and trust,” Khandelwal added. (ANI)
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