Holi Boosts Indian Economy: Traders Expect ₹60,000 Crore in Sales

The Holi festival has once again proven to be a significant economic driver for traders and businesses across India. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), this year’s Holi sales are expected to surpass ₹60,000 crore, marking a 20% increase from the previous year’s ₹50,000 crore. The demand for Indian-made herbal colors, gulal, water guns, balloons, sweets, dry fruits, and festive clothing has surged, as traders and customers continue to boycott Chinese goods. In Delhi alone, Holi-related business is projected to exceed ₹8,000 crore, further boosting local trade and MSME sectors.

Key Highlights of Holi 2025 Sales & Trends

1. Increased Consumer Spending & Festive Sales Boom

• Holi 2025 sales expected to cross ₹60,000 crore, up from ₹50,000 crore in 2024.
• In Delhi alone, Holi-related business is projected to exceed ₹8,000 crore.
• Strong demand for colors, sweets, clothing, FMCG products, and consumer durables.
• High market footfall in wholesale and retail markets across India.

2. Boycott of Chinese Goods & Preference for Indian Products

• Consumers are actively choosing Indian-made products over Chinese alternatives.
• Popular items include herbal colors, gulal, water guns, balloons, sandalwood, pooja materials, and apparel.
• Local traders and MSME sectors benefiting from the surge in demand for Indian products.

3. Surge in Demand for Festive Attire & Accessories

• White T-shirts, kurta-pajamas, and salwar suits are highly sought after for Holi celebrations.
• T-shirts with “Happy Holi” slogans are also selling in large numbers.
• The festive season is boosting sales across textile, garment, and accessories markets.

4. Growth in Event Bookings for Holi Celebrations

• Large-scale Holi Milan celebrations are taking place across Delhi and other major cities.
• Over 3,000 Holi events are being organized in Delhi alone.
• Banquet halls, farmhouses, hotels, restaurants, and public parks are fully booked for Holi events.
• Business, social, cultural, and religious organizations are actively hosting Holi Milan gatherings.

5. Increased Demand for Water Guns & Holi Items

• Markets are flooded with unique and attractive water guns (pichkaris).
• Price Range for Water Guns,
• Pressure water guns: ₹100 to ₹350
• Tank-style water guns: ₹100 to ₹400
• Fancy pipe water guns are also in trend.
• Popular cartoon character-themed pichkaris featuring Spider-Man and Chhota Bheem are a hit among children.
• Spray-based gulal is witnessing very high demand.

6. Sweet Shops Experience Record Sales for Holi Treats

• Huge demand for Holi-special gujiyas and other festive sweets.
• Dry fruits, dry fruit garlands, and festive gift hampers are being widely purchased for gifting.
• Traditional Holi delicacies are contributing to high sales in sweet shops and grocery markets.

7. Delhi’s Holi Celebrations & Market Trends

• Holika Dahan in Delhi: March 13, 2025.
• Holi (Festival of Colors): March 14, 2025.
• Delhi markets are fully decorated and stocked with festive items.
• Rising number of shoppers indicates a strong festive buying trend.
• Custom of gifting sweets and dry fruit garlands has further boosted market activity.