Traders across India this Diwali performed Lakshmi-Ganesh puja at their business establishments, placing traditional account books (Bahi-Khatas) alongside iPads, laptops, computers, and mobile phones — a ritual that captures the trading community's evolving relationship with technology while holding fast to centuries-old customs.

The New Face of an Old Ritual

The practice of worshipping digital devices alongside the Bahi-Khata has been actively encouraged by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) for several years. The symbolic gesture reflects a wider shift in Indian commerce, where technology adoption is accelerating without displacing cultural identity. Ceremonies were held at business establishments across cities, towns, and villages nationwide on 8 November 2026.

CAIT's Special Puja in New Delhi

CAIT organised a dedicated Diwali puja at the residence of its Secretary General and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal in New Delhi, drawing prominent trade leaders and representatives of business organisations from across the country. Acharya Pandit Pramod Shastri presided over the Vedic rituals, as the venue was adorned with flowers, rose petals, and earthen lamps. The idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Mahalakshmi were ceremonially anointed with Panchamrit. A large artistic installation depicting a traditional Indian trader holding a computer served as the event's centrepiece, symbolising the sector's transformation.

Notably, traders also worshipped Lord Hanuman — revered as Sankatmochan — as a symbolic assertion of their resolve to safeguard traditional Indian businesses against the growing footprint of global retail corporations following the liberalisation of the retail sector to foreign direct investment (FDI).

Khandelwal on Culture, Technology, and Swadeshi

Speaking at the ceremony, Khandelwal described Diwali as 'not only an important festival of Sanatan Dharma but also the country's biggest economic celebration,' underscoring the confluence of faith, tradition, and commerce that the festival represents. He said the dual worship of digital devices and account books reflected how Indian traders were embracing modernity while remaining rooted in their cultural heritage.

Khandelwal also pointed to strong consumer demand for Indian-made products during this Diwali season, attributing part of the momentum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to promote Swadeshi and purchase domestically manufactured goods. Earthen lamps, decorative items, textiles, handicrafts, sweets, toys, household products, and traditional gifts made in India reportedly recorded strong sales, benefiting domestic manufacturers, artisans, small businesses, and women entrepreneurs.

Vocal for Local: Slogan to Movement

Khandelwal emphasised that the Vocal for Local campaign was 'gradually emerging as a national economic movement rather than remaining merely a slogan.' He argued that purchasing Indian-made products strengthens domestic manufacturing, generates employment, and supports local artisans and entrepreneurs — ultimately contributing to broader economic growth. This comes amid sustained government messaging around self-reliance and import substitution, which has found a receptive audience among India's estimated 8 crore-strong trader community.

As Indian commerce continues to straddle tradition and digital transformation, the Bahi-Khata and the iPad on the same puja thali may well become the defining image of a trading community in transition.