Key Takeaways
- Chhath Puja expected to generate ₹38,000 crore in trade nationwide
- Delhi alone projected to contribute ₹6,000 crore in sales
- Significant growth from ₹27,000 crore in 2023 to ₹38,000 crore this year
- Major economic boost for local artisans and small businesses
This year’s four-day Chhath Puja celebrations are set to drive approximately ₹38,000 crore in economic activity across India, with Delhi contributing over ₹6,000 crore to this massive trade figure, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
Steady Growth in Festival Economy
The festival economy has shown consistent growth, rising from approximately ₹27,000 crore in 2023 to around ₹31,000 crore last year, reflecting increasing commercial activity around the Chhath celebrations.
The festival is prominently observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Maharashtra, Vidarbha, and Madhya Pradesh. Millions of Purvanchali communities across different states celebrate with equal enthusiasm.
Delhi’s Grand Preparations
In Delhi, home to a substantial Purvanchali population, the government has established approximately 1,500 ghats for devotees. Major gathering points including Yamuna Ghat, Vasudev Ghat, Lal Bagh, Munak Canal, Kalindi Kunj, Wazirabad, Majnu Ka Tila, and Geeta Colony are expected to attract lakhs of worshippers for traditional evening and morning offerings.
Across the country, riverbanks, ponds, and reservoirs have been beautifully decorated for the festivities.
Traditional Shopping Boom
According to CAIT Secretary General and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal, key Chhath Puja items driving sales include:
- Bamboo baskets (sup, daura, dalia) and earthen lamps
- Sugarcane, fruits (banana, coconut, apple, lemon)
- Wheat and rice flour, traditional sweets like thekua, dates
- Puja materials, sarees, traditional attire
- Decoration items, milk, ghee, utensils, tents, and hospitality services
Traditional clothing including sarees, lehenga-chunni, salwar-kurta for women and kurta-pajama, dhoti for men are seeing high demand, providing significant benefits to local traders and small-scale industries. Handmade Swadeshi products are particularly experiencing a sales surge.
Delhi Markets Buzzing with Activity
Major Delhi markets including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Model Town, Ashok Vihar, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Haiderpur, Rani Bagh, Uttam Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Shahdara, Burari, Narela, Kalkaji, Lajpat Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar are witnessing massive crowds as shoppers rush to purchase traditional Chhath essentials.
Cultural and Economic Significance
Khandelwal emphasized that “Chhath Puja is not a mere religious festival, but an integral part of Indian culture — a symbol of social harmony and dedication. It also drives trade and directly benefits local producers, thereby strengthening Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.”
He noted that most products used during Chhath Puja are crafted by local artisans, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the cottage industry.
“Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and scientific traditions of Indian culture, highlighting the deep connection between nature and humanity. It is not just a festival of faith but also of cleanliness, environmental awareness, self-discipline, and unity,” Khandelwal added.
Markets across Delhi and India are experiencing vibrant commercial activity, demonstrating how Chhath Puja serves as both a symbol of devotion and a reflection of India’s cultural and economic unity.
