In 2025, Indians spent ₹5.4 lakh crores on goods between Navratri (29 Sep) and Diwali (20 Oct), 25% more than in 2024, according to a survey by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Of every ₹100, the largest share, ₹25, went towards the home: electronics, consumer durables, décor and furniture. Food came a close second at ₹23, led by groceries and FMCG, with sweets, dry fruits and bakery items making up the rest. No single category claimed more than 12% of spending, suggesting festive demand is broad-based rather than concentrated in a few big purchases. CAIT estimates that 85% of sales went through traditional, non-corporate markets and credits the 2025 GST rate cuts for part of the jump. For companies, the festive season remains the key window for big-ticket household purchases, and much of that demand still flows through small, physical retailers rather than organised retail or e-commerce.
IMA India’s Decoding India is a data-led series that explores the metrics shaping India’s economic and business landscape, presented through comparative visuals across Indian states or peer economies. The aim is simple: to make India’s progress easier to understand at a glance and to surface insights that matter for decision-makers.