New Delhi, 07 November (H.S.): Diwali shopping has generated business worth more than Rs. 6 lakh crore across the country, with trade in the national capital alone crossing the Rs. 1 lakh crore mark, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The traders' body has projected that the overall festive business could reach Rs. 7 lakh crore as shopping activity gathers further momentum.
Markets across the country witnessed brisk buying on Dhanteras, with consumers purchasing a wide range of products, including gold and silver jewellery, mobile phones, televisions, clothing, sweets and decorative items.
In a statement issued on Saturday, CAIT said the strong festive response had brought considerable cheer to the trading community. The organisation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the people of Delhi for turning out in large numbers and participating enthusiastically in Diwali shopping, describing their response as highly encouraging for the city's business community.
CAIT National Secretary General and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal said the overwhelming presence of consumers in markets had not only given fresh momentum to commercial activity but had also sent a positive message at a time when traders had suffered substantial losses due to Rahul Gandhi's November 1 rally and the protests, demonstrations and political gatherings held across Delhi over the past month.
Khandelwal said the expression “Thank You, Delhi” was not merely a slogan but a genuine gesture of gratitude from the capital's millions of traders, shopkeepers, street vendors, daily-wage workers and small entrepreneurs. He said consumers had demonstrated that festive celebrations, economic activity and commercial life should not be disrupted by political developments.
He further claimed that the people of Delhi had responded to Rahul Gandhi and other protesters through their actions and the remarkable scale of their festive purchases. While acknowledging that the right to protest and demonstrate was an integral part of democracy, he said political activities should not disrupt the movement of ordinary citizens, undermine traders' livelihoods or jeopardise the income of millions of families.
According to Khandelwal, Diwali-related business in Delhi had already exceeded Rs. 1 lakh crore, while the corresponding figure for the country as a whole had crossed Rs. 6 lakh crore. Given the sustained footfall in markets and the continued enthusiasm among shoppers, he expressed confidence that the national festive trade would surpass Rs. 7 lakh crore.
He also highlighted a noticeable shift in consumer preferences this year, saying that buyers were increasingly opting for Indian-made products. The impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's calls for ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the adoption of indigenous products was clearly visible in markets, he said. Indian artisans, manufacturers, small-scale industries and local entrepreneurs were receiving strong support from consumers.
Khandelwal said several product categories had recorded robust demand during the festive season. These included gold, silver and jewellery, such as gold ornaments, silver coins, idols and lightweight jewellery; electronics and home appliances, including mobile phones, LED televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners; and clothing and fashion products, ranging from sarees, suits and kurtas to ready-made garments, children's wear and traditional attire.
There was also considerable demand for puja and decorative items, including earthen lamps, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, puja thalis, torans, rangoli materials, candles and decorative lights. Traditional sweets, dry fruits, savoury snacks, chocolates, gift hampers and other food products were among the popular purchases.
Furniture, home décor, kitchenware, utensils and furnishing products also witnessed strong sales. Indian toys, children's products, corporate gifts and traditional gift items contributed to the festive demand. The automobile sector, too, saw encouraging interest in cars, scooters, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.
Handicrafts and indigenous products, including khadi, handloom goods, handmade decorative articles and products made by local artisans and women's self-help groups, were also among the prominent categories attracting buyers.
CAIT said the surge in festive trade was generating significant direct and indirect economic benefits for a wide cross-section of society. Small and medium-sized traders, street vendors, daily-wage workers, cottage and small-scale industries, self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, artisans, transport operators, packaging businesses, logistics companies and delivery services were among those benefiting from the increased commercial activity.
The organisation particularly highlighted the opportunities created for women's self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, local artisans and small manufacturers, whose products were gaining access to a wider consumer base. This, it said, was contributing to employment generation, strengthening local production and improving household incomes.
Khandelwal acknowledged that the economic difficulties and business losses suffered by Delhi's traders over the past month due to political rallies, sit-ins and demonstrations could not be fully offset by just a few days of festive shopping. Nevertheless, he said the enthusiastic response from consumers had boosted traders' morale and given them renewed confidence.
He appealed to citizens to continue supporting local markets during upcoming festivals, give preference to Indian-made products and contribute to the economic empowerment of small traders, shopkeepers, artisans and entrepreneurs in their communities.
Emphasising the importance of the trading community to the city's economy, Khandelwal said traders did more than sell goods; they sustained the livelihoods of millions of families. The vibrancy of markets, he added, reflected the economic strength of a city.
He concluded by thanking the people of Delhi on behalf of the trading community for demonstrating their confidence in commerce, employment, indigenous products and economic solidarity during this year's Diwali celebrations.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
