Will Holi sales see a 25% increase to reach Rs 80,000 crore?
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New Delhi, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal stated on Sunday that the forthcoming Holi festival is anticipated to yield business surpassing Rs 80,000 crore throughout India this year, indicating a remarkable growth of approximately 25 per cent compared to last year's estimated Rs 60,000 crore.
He highlighted that, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to endorse "Vocal for Local", domestically produced goods are taking center stage this Holi.
Products such as herbal gulal, natural colours, pichkaris, balloons, pooja materials, sandalwood, apparel, and various festive items crafted in India are experiencing robust demand, while the presence of Chinese products has notably diminished since 2021.
In addition to items specific to Holi, there is a strong demand for sweets, dry fruits, gift items, flowers, fruits, clothing, furnishing fabrics, groceries, FMCG products, and consumer durables. Sales of white T-shirts, kurta-pyjamas, and salwar suits designed for Holi, along with "Happy Holi" printed T-shirts, are also thriving.
According to CAIT's projections, festive commerce in Delhi alone is anticipated to exceed Rs 15,000 crore. The markets in the city are bustling with activity as shops showcase vibrant gulal, innovative pichkaris, gujiya garlands, and festive gift packs.
Furthermore, sweet shops are witnessing a significant uptick in demand, particularly for traditional Holi treats like gujiya, as per CAIT.
Khandelwal remarked that Holi celebrations are being organized extensively nationwide.
In Delhi, over 3,000 Holi Milan events are set to take place, organized by various trade bodies, social, cultural, and religious organizations.
Banquet halls, farmhouses, hotels, restaurants, and public parks are nearly fully booked for Holi festivities.
He also mentioned that in Delhi, 'Holika Dahan' is scheduled for March 3 and the festival of colours will be celebrated on March 4.
Consumers are increasingly opting for herbal and natural colours, with children particularly drawn to pichkaris featuring characters such as 'Spiderman' and 'Chhota Bheem'.
Khandelwal emphasized that festivals in India play a crucial role in stimulating economic activity and creating substantial business opportunities.
This Holi is projected to yield significant advantages for traders, retailers, small enterprises, cottage industries, and the MSME sector nationwide while promoting the ethos of swadeshi trade.