Lucknow: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has projected a business turnover of Rs 60,000 crore across the country during this year’s Holi celebrations. Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT’s National General Secretary and BJP MP from Chandni Chowk, stated that the expected business volume is 20% higher than last year’s Rs 50,000 crore.
According to Khandelwal, Indian traders and consumers have continued their boycott of Chinese-made products, leading to a significant surge in sales of domestically produced herbal colors, gulal, water guns, sweets, dry fruits, apparel, gift items, and other festive products.
Holi has created significant economic opportunities for small businesses, retailers, and the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. In Delhi alone, trade worth over Rs 8,000 crore is anticipated, with markets witnessing a rush of shoppers buying colors, gulal, water guns, sweets, and gifts. Traditional Indian attire, including white kurta-pajamas, salwar suits, and “Happy Holi” printed T-shirts, are in high demand this season.
As per CAIT, more than 3,000 Holi Milan events are being organized nationwide, boosting business for hotels, banquet halls, farmhouses, and restaurants. There is a growing demand for herbal colors and gulal, while chemical-based colors are witnessing a decline in popularity. Children’s products such as Spider-Man and Chhota Bheem-themed water guns, gulal sprays, and pressure tank water guns have gained massive popularity.
Khandelwal mentioned that Holika Dahan will be observed on March 13 in Delhi, followed by the festival of colors on March 14. Markets are already reflecting the festive spirit, adorned with colorful gulal, water guns, and beautifully arranged gujiya and dry fruit garlands. The rising footfall in markets is a testament to the high demand for Holi-related items.
This year, the demand for herbal colors, abir, and gulal has peaked, replacing chemical-based alternatives. The demand for balloons and water guns has also surpassed previous years. Various new and attractive items have flooded the markets, with pressure water guns available at prices ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 350 and tank-style water guns priced between Rs 100 and Rs 400. Additionally, fancy pipe water guns have gained popularity. Children have taken a special liking to Spider-Man and Chhota Bheem-themed water guns, while gulal sprays are selling in large numbers.
