India’s 2025 Diwali sales have shattered all previous records, with total trading swelling to a phenomenal ₹6.05 lakh crore. This festive surge, as reported by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), is a testament not only to the resilience of India’s retail sector but also to the enduring cultural and economic power of Diwali as the nation’s preeminent festival. From traditional bazaars to modern retail, every stratum of the consumer economy witnessed unprecedented activity, underscoring a story of growth, revival, and localization.
The Making of a Historic Milestone During Diwali Sales 2025
Based on a comprehensive nationwide survey covering 60 major distribution hubs – including metros, state capitals, and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities – the CAIT’s Research & Trade Development Society found that ₹5.40 lakh crore of the turnover came from goods while ₹65,000 crore was contributed by the burgeoning services sector.
The services category, spanning packaging, hospitality, logistics, cab services, travel, event management, and delivery, reflected the breadth of the Diwali economy. This all-round expansion marked a striking 25% leap over last year’s ₹4.25 lakh crore, signifying renewed buoyancy among consumers and traders alike.
Traditional Markets Roar Back
Perhaps the most heartening facet of 2025’s Diwali sales has been the powerful resurgence of India’s traditional retail sector. Physical, non-corporate markets – especially small traders – were responsible for a staggering 85% of total festive trade. This marked shift hints at consumers’ return to the authenticity and personalized service of local bazaars, reversing years of e-commerce and modern-format retail encroachment.
In cities like Mumbai, the Metropolitan Region alone clocked over ₹70,000 crore in sales this season, reiterating the dynamism of India’s local commerce ecosystem.
Across India, the spirit of Diwali rekindled foot traffic in ancient marketplaces, as families thronged to purchase gold, home decor, sweets, and festive wares. Beyond the metros, rural and semi-urban regions contributed 28% of Diwali trade—a strong show of rising purchasing power and deeper economic participation shadowing the festive lights into India’s heartland.
“Vocal for Local” Ignites the Festive Economy
Integral to this blockbuster season has been the government’s “Vocal for Local” and “Swadeshi Diwali” campaigning. CAIT’s findings reveal that a resounding 87% of all Diwali shoppers expressly chose Indian-made goods over imports—dealing a sharp blow to Chinese imports and boosting domestic brands and manufacturers. This promote the non-Metro cities to take the center stage in Diwali Sales as well.
The result was a 25% jump in sales of Indian-made products, breathing new life into the country’s MSME and artisan sectors. Indian shoppers embraced ethnic garments, handcrafted gifts, and locally produced décor in record numbers.
Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT’s Secretary General, praised the Prime Minister’s leadership in championing GST rationalization and the Swadeshi movement, calling him the “brand ambassador” for a more self-reliant Indian economy. The sentiment resonated not merely with traders but with consumers eager to align purchases with national priorities.
Sectoral Performance: Where the Money Flowed
Goods and services originating from virtually every sector saw remarkable upticks which contributed to the Diwali Sales 2025:
- Grocery and FMCG led with 12% of the total.
- Gold and Jewellery made up 10%, as Indians upheld the tradition of purchasing precious metals during Dhanteras and Diwali.
- Electronics, electricals, and consumer durables accounted for 8% and 7% of the turnover, respectively.
- Apparels, gift items, furniture, décor, sweets, and fabrics all saw vigorous trade.
- Services – often overlooked on festival sales charts – reached unprecedented heights, with hospitality, travel, logistics, and event management contributing majorly.
Employment, Consumption, and the Ripple Effect
The Diwali Sales and trade activities boom sparked job creation across India, with CAIT estimating at least 50 lakh temporary jobs added in logistics, delivery, packaging, and retail. The ripple effects of this spending marathon could extend far into the fourth quarter, with various industry watchers predicting a strong year for the broader Indian economy.
Diwali Sales 2025: A New Benchmark
Diwali Sales 2025 stands as a landmark not only for its immense numbers but for what those numbers represent: consumer optimism, the triumph of local enterprise, and the reaffirmation of culture in economic life. With policy support, an invigorated “Swadeshi” movement, and surging consumer aspirations, India’s festival of lights has become a beacon for the nation’s economic vitality and its forward momentum.