New Delhi, Oct 19 (NationPress) The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) anticipates that festive sales will surpass Rs 5 lakh crore during this year’s Diwali shopping season, driven by significant demand spurred by GST rate reductions.

CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal mentioned that, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for “Swadeshi” (local products), the organization has dedicated this year’s celebrations to a “Swadeshi Indian Diwali”.

As part of this initiative, CAIT has initiated a nationwide campaign titled “Bhartiya Samaan — Hamara Swabhiman” (Indian Goods — Our Pride), which has garnered an overwhelming response throughout the nation.

Traders from coast to coast are promoting Indian-made products, with consumers exhibiting remarkable pride and confidence in the “Make in India” initiative, he added.

Khandelwal stated that the substantial GST rate cuts implemented by PM Modi’s government have revitalized domestic trade and significantly aided the promotion of Swadeshi products.

This year, foreign goods, particularly from China, have largely disappeared from Indian markets during Diwali. CAIT’s “Boycott Chinese Goods” campaign, launched in 2021, has evolved into a widespread national movement, uniting traders and consumers in their rejection of Chinese products, he noted.

All across the country, markets are bustling with shoppers this festive season. The traditional “touch and feel” shopping experience has made a strong comeback, posing a significant challenge to online sales. Traders are ecstatic, consumers are thrilled, and this Diwali has indeed established a new standard in India’s trading landscape, he emphasized.

Key product categories experiencing a remarkable surge in sales include sweets, dry fruits, fruits, food grains, readymade garments, textiles, consumer durables, electronics, mobiles, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, automobiles, two-wheelers, jewellery, gold, silver, coins, gift items, decorative materials, puja items, earthen diyas, lighting products, and furnishing fabrics, according to a CAIT statement.

Moreover, various service sectors have also seen significant benefits from the Diwali season — including transport, packaging, logistics, catering, event management, beauty salons, travel, hospitality, and entertainment industries, the statement mentioned.

Khandelwal remarked that this festival is not only a celebration of lights but also a representation of the resurgence of Swadeshi trade. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India’s trading community is advancing confidently towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Amidst some confusion regarding the date of Diwali celebrations, and adhering to scriptural guidance and scholars’ advice, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has declared that Diwali will be celebrated grandly across the nation on October 20.

Traders will conduct the Ganesh and Goddess Mahalakshmi puja at their business premises and homes. In certain regions, Diwali may also be observed on October 21, depending on local circumstances; however, major religious cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Mathura will celebrate Deepotsav on the 20th itself, the statement added.