New Delhi, Oct 22 (NationPress) Following record-breaking Diwali sales, traders are optimistic about the upcoming wedding season, which is projected to exceed Rs 5 lakh crore, providing a significant uplift to the nation's economy, as reported by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

The focus of traders has now transitioned to the wedding season, starting after Dev Uthani Ekadashi on November 1, continuing until December 14. CAIT forecasts that millions of weddings are set to occur across India during this timeframe, reviving the Diwali-like vibrancy in the markets.

CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal stated: "Post the exceptional Diwali sales, traders are diligently preparing for the wedding season. We anticipate new sales records in sectors like gold and silver, jewellery, apparel, gifts, decoration, furniture, catering, hotels, beauty, and electronics."

In the wake of Diwali, the festival of Govardhan Puja was celebrated with enthusiasm nationwide. This festival signifies protection against natural disasters and emphasizes environmental conservation. This year, its celebration saw a surge in sales of worship plates, earthen lamps, pure ghee, milk-curd, sandalwood, flowers and garlands, sweets, decorative pots, ritual clothing, and steel utensils. The Annakut festival, which expresses gratitude to Goddess Annapurna, was also celebrated joyfully across the country, as stated by the traders' organization.

As preparations for Bhai Dooj, slated for October 23, gain momentum, markets are witnessing renewed energy. There’s a marked rise in demand for sweets, dry fruits, tika materials, gift boxes, garments, watches, mobile accessories, and gifting items, according to a statement from CAIT.

Simultaneously, preparations for Chhath Puja are progressing nationwide. The festival, occurring on October 27-28, has already seen a significant uptick in the sale of fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, traditional sweets (thekua), bamboo baskets, and trays, saris, brass and bronze utensils, earthen lamps, and other puja materials.

The festive series will culminate with Tulsi Vivah on November 2, marking the ceremonial wedding of Goddess Tulsi and Lord Shaligram, performed according to traditional rituals. Ahead of this festival, there has been a marked increase in demand for tulsi plants, earthen lamps, ritual garments, flower garlands, ghee, rice, coconuts, pots, and traditional sarees and suits, as noted by CAIT.

"Despite record sales during Diwali, markets across the country continue to see heavy foot traffic, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm of people towards Indian festivals and their increasing trust in domestic products under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Vocal for Local’,” Khandelwal remarked.

He added that sales of worship items, sweets, apparel, gift products, utensils, and electronics have surged by 25-30 percent during Diwali and the subsequent major festivals.