Holi 2025: How India’s Markets Are Benefiting from Rs 60,000 Crore Business Surge

Holi 2025 is expected to generate Rs 60,000 crore in business, a 20% increase from last year. With a rise in demand for colours, sweets, FMCG products, and apparel, markets are witnessing a significant boost. Read more on Holi’s economic impact.

Holi 2025: A Festival of Colours and Economic Growth

The much-awaited festival of colours, Holi 2025, is here, bringing not only joy and celebrations but also a major economic boost. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), this year’s Holi festivities are expected to generate a staggering Rs 60,000 crore in business, marking a 20% rise from last year’s Rs 50,000 crore turnover.

With increased spending on colours, gulal, water guns, sweets, dry fruits, FMCG products, apparel, and decorative items, traders are experiencing a surge in sales.

Holi 2025: A Shift Towards Indigenous Products

Rising Demand for Indian-Made Products

In line with previous years, Indian consumers and businesses are continuing their boycott of Chinese goods, opting instead for Indian-made herbal colours, traditional gulal, handmade balloons, pooja materials, and apparel.

CAIT has emphasized that a significant portion of Holi-related sales this year is directed towards domestically manufactured items, ensuring benefits for local traders, MSMEs, and small-scale industries.

Holi-Related Sales Witness an Uptrend Across Sectors

High-Demand Categories

Several business sectors have seen a surge in Holi-related sales, with some of the most in-demand products including:

• Sweets and confectionery – Traditional mithais like gujiya, malpua, and laddoos

• FMCG products – Packaged Holi hampers, instant thandai mixes, and organic colours

• Apparel – T-shirts, kurta-pajamas, salwar suits, and festive clothing

• Gifting and decor – Dry fruits, floral garlands, and colourful decorations

• Consumer durables – Party essentials, speakers, and festive lighting

Growing Popularity of Themed Holi Attire

The demand for special Holi-themed clothing has also surged, particularly T-shirts with "Happy Holi" slogans, vibrant kurtas, and colour-friendly outfits.

Holi Celebrations Fuel Increased Footfall in Markets

Large-Scale Celebrations and Economic Impact

According to Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT Secretary General and BJP MP from Chandni Chowk, the festival is witnessing a spike in demand for Holi celebration venues, as large-scale events are being organized across Delhi and India.

In Delhi alone, over 3,000 Holi Milan celebrations of varying scales are being planned, contributing significantly to local businesses. Markets across the country are seeing increased footfall, leading to higher sales for traders and shopkeepers.

Delhi’s Expected Business Turnover

CAIT estimates that Delhi alone will contribute over Rs 80,000 crore to the total Holi business this year, highlighting the city’s major role in seasonal sales.

Holi 2025 Dates and Economic Impact on MSMEs

Holi 2025 Festival Timeline

• Holika Dahan: March 13, 2025

• Festival of Colours: March 14, 2025

Holi’s Role in Economic Growth

As per CAIT, Holi 2025 will stimulate economic activity, especially benefiting local businesses, small traders, MSMEs, and small-scale industries. The festival provides a seasonal boost to multiple industries, reinforcing its significance beyond cultural celebrations.

Conclusion

Holi 2025 is not just a celebration of colors and joy but also a major economic driver for India. With an estimated business turnover of ₹60,000 crore, the festival is witnessing a 20% increase in sales compared to last year.

The surge in demand for Indian-made products, including herbal colors, sweets, dry fruits, and apparel, highlights the growing trend of supporting local businesses while boycotting Chinese goods.

Markets across India, especially in Delhi, are experiencing high footfalls, with thousands of Holi Milan events adding to the economic momentum. Small traders, MSMEs, and FMCG businesses are benefiting significantly from the increased consumer spending.

As Holi approaches, the festive spirit is expected to further stimulate local economies, strengthen the "Vocal for Local" movement, and create new business opportunities.

With vibrant celebrations and robust economic activity, Holi 2025 is shaping up to be a festival that truly adds colors to India's economy.