Dhanteras Shopping Expected to Generate Over Rs 1 Lakh Crore in Business Across India: CAIT

New Delhi: India's retail market is gearing up for a major festive shopping surge, with business transactions on Dhanteras expected to cross Rs 1 lakh crore on Friday, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Sales of gold and silver alone are projected to exceed Rs 60,000 crore despite high bullion prices.

CAIT said consumer enthusiasm remains strong, with people continuing to follow traditional Dhanteras shopping practices. The festival, considered one of the most significant shopping occasions during the Diwali season, typically witnesses increased purchases of precious metals, jewellery, utensils and other auspicious items.

The All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF) also reported resilient demand for gold and silver, noting that rising prices have not significantly dampened buying interest. Instead, consumers are increasingly choosing lightweight jewellery and traditional investment products.

According to traders, 14-carat and 18-carat lightweight gold jewellery, silver coins, decorative articles and auspicious figurines depicting fish, tortoises and elephants are among the popular choices this season.

CAIT said it would release detailed estimates later in the day after assessing sales trends and consumer responses across the country.

Festive Trade Expected to Cross Rs 7 Lakh Crore

The strong Dhanteras outlook follows CAIT's earlier projection that total business during the Navratri-to-Diwali festive period could exceed Rs 7 lakh crore this year, representing an estimated growth of 15-18 per cent compared with the previous year.

The projection is based on feedback from trade associations across states, consumer spending patterns and rising commercial activity in rural and semi-urban markets.

According to CAIT, festive business stood at approximately Rs 6.05 lakh crore last year, comprising around Rs 5.40 lakh crore in goods sales and Rs 65,000 crore in services.

The traders' body has estimated that the services sector could contribute between Rs 80,000 crore and Rs 1 lakh crore during the current festive season. Transportation, logistics, hospitality, tourism, catering and event management are expected to support this growth.

Local Products Drive Festive Consumption

CAIT has attributed part of the expected increase in festive business to growing consumer preference for domestically manufactured products and greater support for initiatives such as 'Vocal for Local', 'Made in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

The anticipated rise in sales reflects the importance of the festive season for India's retail economy, particularly for small traders, local manufacturers, artisans and service providers.

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