India's Diwali 2026 festive trade has surged to record levels, with national sales poised to cross ₹7 lakh crore and Delhi alone clocking over ₹1 lakh crore in business, according to figures compiled by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The buying frenzy peaked on Dhanteras, as waves of shoppers flooded markets across the country on Friday, 7 November 2026.

Record Demand Across Categories

Exceptionally strong consumer appetite was recorded across a wide range of product categories this festive season. Gold, silver and jewellery led the charge, followed by electronic goods and home appliances — including mobile phones, LED televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners — all witnessing robust offtake, according to a CAIT statement.

Clothing and fashion also saw brisk sales, with sarees, suits, kurtas, readymade garments, children's clothing and traditional attire moving rapidly off shelves. Demand for puja and decorative items — earthen diyas, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, sweets and food products — also surged. The automobile segment, covering cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, recorded encouraging demand as well.

Swadeshi and Handicrafts See a Surge

Handicrafts and swadeshi products — including khadi, handloom goods, handcrafted decorative articles, items from local artisans and products made by women's self-help groups — posted robust sales. CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal noted a visible transformation in consumer preference toward Indian-made goods, attributing it to the sustained impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's calls for 'Vocal for Local', 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and Swadeshi adoption.

'Indian artisans, manufacturers, small-scale industries and local entrepreneurs are receiving tremendous support from consumers,' Khandelwal said.

Economic Ripple Effect on Small Traders and Workers

CAIT stated that the massive festive business is generating substantial economic benefits — both directly and indirectly — for small and medium-sized traders, street vendors, daily-wage workers, micro and cottage industries, self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, artisans, transport operators, packaging businesses, logistics providers, delivery services and millions of people linked to domestic manufacturing and production.

Khandelwal highlighted that the surge in footfall has benefited millions of traders, shopkeepers, street vendors and small entrepreneurs in Delhi, and described the consumer response as a strong signal of commercial resilience.

Political Context and Market Disruptions

Khandelwal also invoked a political dimension, stating that the unprecedented market footfall 'has sent a strong and positive message in the backdrop of the substantial business losses suffered due to the Opposition rally on 1 November and the continuous protests, demonstrations and agitations witnessed in Delhi over the past month.'

He added: 'In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest and demonstrate peacefully, but no political activity should come at the cost of public mobility, traders' livelihoods or the daily earnings of millions of families.' CAIT, on behalf of Delhi's trading community, expressed gratitude to consumers for their 'tremendous enthusiasm, confidence and overwhelming participation' this Diwali season.

What the Final Numbers Could Look Like

As of 7 November 2026, CAIT's data showed that Delhi had already crossed the ₹1 lakh crore mark in Diwali-related trade, while the national tally had exceeded ₹6 lakh crore. With continued high footfall and strong buying sentiment persisting through the festive period, CAIT projected the national figure would ultimately cross ₹7 lakh crore. If the projection holds, it would mark one of the strongest Diwali trading seasons on record for Indian retail.