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India’s festive economy is gearing up for a major upswing as Holi approaches, with markets across the country witnessing vibrant activity and strong consumer demand. According to estimates from the Confederation of All India Traders, business generated during the Holi season this year could exceed ₹80,000 crore, marking a sharp rise from last year’s approximate ₹60,000 crore turnover. The projected figures suggest nearly 25% growth, highlighting the festival’s expanding economic impact.

Festive Spirit Drives Market Momentum

Holi, widely known as the festival of colors, is not only a cultural celebration but also a major commercial driver. Retailers, wholesalers, and small traders are reporting increased footfall as shoppers stock up on festival essentials. From colorful gulal powders and water guns to sweets, clothing, gifts, and decorations, demand is surging across multiple product categories.

Praveen Khandelwal, who serves as a national office bearer of the traders’ body and represents Chandni Chowk, noted that this year’s sales trends clearly reflect a shift toward domestically produced goods. The growing popularity of the government’s “Vocal for Local” initiative has encouraged consumers to choose Indian-made festival items over imported alternatives.

Rising Preference for Indigenous Products

Traders say that in previous years, imported products—especially low-cost festival accessories—dominated markets. This year, however, locally manufactured herbal gulal, eco-friendly colors, traditional pichkaris (water guns), balloons, and puja materials are witnessing strong demand. Sellers attribute this shift to rising awareness about product quality, safety, and support for domestic industries.

Consumers are also increasingly opting for natural and herbal colors instead of chemical-based varieties, reflecting a broader trend toward environmentally conscious celebrations. Shopkeepers report that parents, in particular, are choosing skin-friendly colors for children, boosting sales of organic festival products.

Clothing, Sweets, and Gifts Add to Sales Boom

Beyond colors and accessories, several other sectors are benefiting from festive shopping. Apparel retailers are seeing brisk sales of white T-shirts, kurta-pyjama sets, salwar suits, and themed clothing featuring festive slogans. Sweet shops are experiencing a spike in orders, especially for traditional treats such as gujiya, which remains a Holi favorite across North India.

Gift stores and dry fruit vendors are also reporting increased demand as families prepare for gatherings and celebrations. The combination of seasonal discounts, festive promotions, and cultural traditions is encouraging consumers to spend more freely than usual.

Capital City Expects Massive Turnover

The national capital Delhi alone is projected to generate nearly ₹15,000 crore in Holi-related trade. Wholesale and retail markets throughout the city are decorated with vibrant displays of colored powders and decorative items, attracting large crowds of shoppers. Traders describe the atmosphere as lively and optimistic, with many expecting last-minute purchases to further boost revenue.

Event Industry Sees Strong Bookings

Holi celebrations are not limited to household festivities. Social gatherings and community events are also playing a major role in driving economic activity. More than 3,000 Holi Milan events are expected to take place in Delhi this season, leading to near-full bookings for banquet halls, farmhouses, hotels, and restaurants. Event planners and hospitality businesses say festive bookings have significantly increased compared to last year.

Children’s products are another fast-selling category. Character-themed pichkaris featuring figures like Spider-Man and Chhota Bheem are especially popular, with retailers reporting strong demand from families.

Festivals as Economic Growth Engines

Industry experts emphasize that festivals in India serve as more than cultural occasions—they act as powerful economic catalysts. Seasonal demand boosts sales for small traders, cottage industries, artisans, and MSMEs, helping sustain livelihoods across supply chains.

With consumer sentiment remaining positive and spending patterns strengthening, this year’s Holi is expected to deliver substantial gains for businesses of all sizes. Traders remain optimistic that strong festive sales will set a positive tone for the upcoming retail cycle and provide momentum for the broader economy.