New Delhi: The Holi festival continues to be a major economic driver, with trade expected to exceed Rs 60,000 crore this year, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous year’s Rs 50,000 crore, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Delhi alone is anticipated to contribute over Rs 8,000 crore to this booming trade.

Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary-General of CAIT and BJP MP from Chandni Chowk, stated that Indian traders and consumers have once again opted to boycott Chinese goods. Instead, the market is witnessing high sales of domestically made herbal colors, gulal, water guns (pichkari), balloons, sandalwood, pooja materials, apparel, and other festival-related products.

Additionally, there is a surge in demand for sweets, dry fruits, gift items, flowers, clothing, furnishing fabrics, groceries, FMCG products, and consumer durables. The increased consumer spending has significantly boosted Holi-related sales, with markets fully stocked and decorated for the occasion.

Clothing trends for Holi celebrations include white T-shirts, kurta-pajamas, and salwar suits, along with T-shirts featuring “Happy Holi” prints, which are in high demand. Khandelwal emphasized that festivals like Holi not only enrich cultural traditions but also stimulate economic activities, benefiting local businesses, small traders, and the MSME sector.

The celebration of Holi across India has led to a spike in bookings for banquet halls, farmhouses, hotels, restaurants, and public parks, all of which are fully reserved for festive gatherings. More than 3,000 Holi Milan events are being organized in Delhi alone, bringing communities together in joyous celebrations hosted by various business, social, cultural, and religious organizations.

With Holi approaching, Delhi’s wholesale and retail markets are witnessing heavy footfall, especially for items such as gulal, pichkaris, and festive treats. Sweet shops are reporting a massive surge in sales, particularly for traditional Holi-special gujiyas and other delicacies.

According to Khandelwal, Holika Dahan will take place on March 13, followed by the festival of colors on March 14. Markets are already embracing the festive spirit, with vibrant displays of gulal, water guns, gujiya garlands, and dry fruits attracting shoppers in large numbers.

Shoppers are increasingly favoring herbal gulal and natural colors over chemical-based alternatives, while the demand for water balloons and pichkaris has significantly risen. The market is flooded with unique and attractive Holi items, including pressure water guns priced between Rs 100 and Rs 350, tank-style water guns ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 400, and fancy pipe water guns.

Children are particularly drawn to water guns featuring popular characters like Spider-Man and Chhota Bheem. Additionally, spray-based gulal has emerged as a trending product among customers.

With vibrant markets and enthusiastic shoppers, this year’s Holi festival is set to be a grand celebration, bringing joy to people while significantly contributing to the economy.