New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) The vibrant festival of Chhath Puja, which honors the Sun God, is anticipated to significantly uplift the Indian economy. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) projects that the trade volume will reach approximately Rs 38,000 crore nationwide this year.

This represents a notable increase of 22.58 percent compared to last year’s Rs 31,000 crore and Rs 27,000 crore in 2023, underscoring the festival's escalating cultural and economic relevance.

The four-day celebration, marked by devotion and grandeur, serves not only as a symbol of faith and purity but also as a catalyst for local commerce and Swadeshi products.

CAIT reported that approximately 150 million individuals will engage in Chhath Puja rituals this year, which include fasting, bathing, and offering prayers to both the setting and rising sun.

Once primarily celebrated in Bihar, this festival has evolved into a nationwide event, embodying purity, discipline, and the profound connection between nature and humanity.

In Delhi alone, Chhath-related commerce is expected to surpass Rs 6,000 crore this year. The city, home to a significant Purvanchali population, has made extensive arrangements for devotees, establishing around 1,500 ghats for rituals.

Prominent ghats such as Yamuna Ghat, Kalindi Kunj, Wazirabad, and Geeta Colony have been beautifully adorned to welcome hundreds of thousands of worshippers.

The festival is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and others.

Markets across India are experiencing a surge in foot traffic as devotees purchase traditional Chhath essentials such as bamboo baskets (sup, daura, dalia), earthen lamps, sugarcane, fruits, sweets, sarees, utensils, and puja materials.

CAIT Secretary General and MP from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, stated that Chhath Puja transcends a mere religious festival, reflecting India’s social harmony and cultural unity.

He added that it bolsters local traders and small-scale industries, reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vocal for Local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

Most items utilized during Chhath Puja are handcrafted by local artisans, enhancing the cottage industry and generating employment opportunities.

Khandelwal emphasized that Chhath also encourages cleanliness, environmental consciousness, and self-discipline, making it one of India’s most holistic and meaningful festivals.