According to CAIT’s preliminary estimates, groceries and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are expected to account for 12 per cent of festive trade, followed by gold, silver and jewellery at 10 per cent
New Delhi: India’s festive trade is expected to cross Rs 7 lakh crore during the Navratri-to-Diwali period in 2026, marking an estimated growth of 15-18 per cent over the previous year, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
The projection is based on feedback from trade associations and markets across states, consumer demand, festive shopping patterns and rising commercial activity in rural and semi-urban areas, said CAIT National Secretary General and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal.
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India’s festive trade stood at around Rs 6.05 lakh crore last year, comprising Rs 5.40 lakh crore in goods and Rs 65,000 crore in services, Khandelwal said.
The services sector is expected to record growth of 20-25 per cent during the current festive season, with business estimated at Rs 80,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore.
Transportation, logistics, e-commerce deliveries, warehousing, hotels, restaurants, tourism, catering, event management and local transport are among the sectors expected to benefit from the increase in festive spending.
Which sectors are expected to benefit most?
According to CAIT’s preliminary estimates, groceries and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are expected to account for 12 per cent of festive trade, followed by gold, silver and jewellery at 10 per cent.
Electronics and electrical goods are projected to contribute 8 per cent, while consumer durables, readymade garments and gift items are each expected to account for 7 per cent.
Home decor and furniture, furnishings are estimated to make up 5 per cent each of the festive trade.
Other categories expected to contribute to the overall business include textiles and fabrics, sweets and savouries, puja items, fruits and dry fruits, bakery and confectionery, footwear and other consumer goods.
‘Vocal for Local’ push expected to support trade
Khandelwal said the festive season would generate economic activity beyond retail shopping, with religious, cultural, social and commercial events also contributing to demand.
Ramlila performances, Durga Puja celebrations, Garba and Dandiya events, fairs, exhibitions and community gatherings are expected to support businesses across several sectors.
He attributed the projected growth partly to increasing consumer preference for locally manufactured products, handicrafts, Indian brands and goods produced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
According to Khandelwal, initiatives such as ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Made in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ have contributed to greater acceptance of domestically produced goods.
He urged consumers to prioritise Indian products during the festive season, saying the choice would support traders, artisans, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, startups and local service providers.
CAIT expressed confidence that the Navratri-to-Diwali festive period in 2026 would provide a significant boost to India’s retail trade, services sector and local economy.
IANS
Published: 14 Oct 2026, 09:22 pm IST
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