The headline figure is huge, but the real story of this Diwali may be in the details. According to figures compiled by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), festive trade across the country has crossed Rs 6 lakh crore and is expected to cross Rs 7 lakh crore before the season ends. Delhi alone has recorded more than Rs 1 lakh crore in Diwali-related business, which CAIT calls a record for the capital.
Buying peaked on Dhanteras on Friday, when shoppers crowded markets across the city. The figures are the trade body's own estimates, based on information it has received so far, but they suggest that consumer sentiment this festive season has stayed strong.
The spending was spread across categories. CAIT reported exceptionally strong demand for gold, silver and jewellery. Electronics and home appliances, including mobile phones, LED televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners, also sold well.
Clothing stores saw brisk sales of sarees, suits, kurtas, readymade garments, children's wear and traditional outfits. Earthen diyas, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, sweets and food products saw a surge in sales. Cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles also recorded encouraging demand.
What stands out is how much of this spending reached the smaller end of the market. Khadi, handloom products, handcrafted decorative items, goods from local artisans and products made by women's self-help groups all recorded robust sales, according to CAIT.
Why it matters beyond the shop counter
A festive season like this supports far more people than retailers. CAIT said the benefits reach small and medium traders, street vendors, daily-wage workers, micro and cottage industries, artisans and women entrepreneurs. They also extend to transport operators, packaging firms, logistics providers and delivery services.
CAIT Secretary General and MP Praveen Khandelwal said consumers this year are noticeably choosing Indian products. He said this reflects the impact of the Prime Minister's "Vocal for Local" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" appeals. "Indian artisans, manufacturers, small-scale industries and local entrepreneurs are receiving tremendous support from consumers," the statement said.
A message from the markets, says CAIT
Khandelwal also gave the numbers a political reading. He said the heavy footfall had "sent a strong and positive message" after traders suffered substantial losses from the Opposition rally on November 1 and a month of protests and demonstrations in Delhi. He argued that by coming out to shop in large numbers, Delhiites showed they did not want festive and commercial life "held hostage to political disruptions."
He added that everyone in a democracy has the right to protest peacefully, but that political activity should not come at the cost of public mobility or traders' livelihoods.
For context, the November 1 rally was organised by the Opposition INDIA bloc at Ramlila Maidan, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the revision of voter rolls. Opposition parties have described their protests as a fight to protect voting rights.
The bottom line
Whether the final figure crosses Rs 7 lakh crore will be clearer once the festive week ends. For now, the numbers point to a season driven as much by local artisans and neighbourhood shops as by big-ticket purchases. CAIT ended its statement by thanking the people of Delhi for their "tremendous enthusiasm, confidence and overwhelming participation" in this year's celebrations.
This story is based on a statement issued by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
