New Delhi, Oct 19 – India’s biggest traders say this year’s Diwali shopping spree will top ₹5 lakh crore, thanks to big cuts in GST that have boosted demand.
CAIT Secretary‑General Praveen Khandelwal highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Swadeshi” push has inspired the Confederation to mark the festival as “Swadeshi Indian Diwali.” The group launched a nationwide campaign called “Bhartiya Samaan — Hamara Swabhiman” (Indian Goods — Our Pride), which has already racked up huge support across the country.
Indian manufacturers and local traders have stepped up their promotion of home‑grown products. Khandelwal praised the surge in consumer confidence in the “Make in India” movement, saying the new GST rates have given domestic trade a new lift.
The campaign also pushes a boycott of Chinese goods, a movement that started in 2021 and has now become a nationwide effort. Traders and shoppers alike say foreign items, especially from China, are disappearing from the market this Diwali.
Shopping crowds have swelled in markets everywhere. People are once again putting their hands on goods in stores, giving online sales a hit. “This Diwali is a new benchmark for Indian trade,” Khandelwal said. He listed sweets, dry fruits, fresh produce, ready‑made clothes, textiles, electronics, home appliances, cars, two‑wheelers, jewellery, and gifts as top‑selling categories.
Services have felt the boost too. Transport, packaging, logistics, catering, event management, beauty salons, travel, hospitality and entertainment are all benefiting from the festive surge.
Khandelwal described the festival as a celebration of light and a revival of Swadeshi trade. “Under Mr Modi, India’s trading community is marching firmly toward Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he added.
Because of confusion over the exact date, CAIT has confirmed that Diwali celebrations will take place with grandeur on October 20 nationwide. Traders will perform Ganesh and Mahalakshmi pujas at their offices and homes. In some areas, the festival may also be observed on October 21, but major religious centers such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura will celebrate on October 20.
Source: ianslive
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