Hindu festivals in 2025 played a significant role in boosting the Bharatiya economy, generating substantial trade, employment, and business activity across various sectors. The economic impact of these festivals was reflected in record-breaking sales, high consumer participation, and increased demand for local products and services. Here is a detailed overview of ten major Hindu festivals that notably contributed to economic growth in Bharat during 2025.

Mahakumbh 2025: A Massive Economic Catalyst

The Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, was the largest spiritual congregation ever recorded, attracting over 66 crore devotees worldwide. This event alone generated economic activity worth approximately 3 lakh crore INR (around 360 billion USD). The influx of visitors created extensive demand for accommodation, food services, logistics, transportation, and dharmic merchandise, resulting in direct and indirect employment for about 60 lakh people. The state government of Uttar Pradesh estimated revenue collection of 54,000 crore INR from this grand event, placing it as a key driver of local and state economy with international recognition through delegations from 76 countries.​

Deepawali 2025: Record-Breaking Consumer Confidence

Deepawali 2025 marked a historic surge in festive sales, reaching a record 6.05 lakh crore INR, combining 5.40 lakh crore in goods and 65,000 crore in services. This marked an increase of 1.8 lakh crore INR over the previous year. The festival generated about 50 lakh temporary jobs in logistics, packaging, transport, and retail. A significant 28% of this trade was fueled by rural and semi-urban areas, reflecting widespread consumer confidence and participation beyond metro cities.​

Chhath Puja 2025: Supporting Traditional Trade and Artisans

Chhath Puja created an economic boom with trade surpassing 50,000 crore INR nationwide. With over 10 crore participants, the festival heavily boosted sales of traditional items such as fruits, sugarcane, lamps, and puja materials. Bihar saw business worth about 15,000 crore INR, Delhi 8,000 crore, and Jharkhand 5,000 crore. This impressive 38,000 crore INR surge from 2024 highlighted the festival’s role in sustaining small traders, artisans, and farmers.​

Dhanteras 2025: Strength Amid Soaring Gold Prices

Despite record-high gold prices, Dhanteras 2025 saw nearly 1 lakh crore INR in festive sales. Bullion sales alone accounted for around 60,000 crore INR, marking a 25% increase from 2024. The high demand for gold jewelry persisted, with Delhi’s bullion market recording over 10,000 crore INR in sales. This resilience demonstrated the cultural importance of precious metals during festivities and their influence on the economy.​

Navratri and Durga Puja: Driving Regional Economies

Navratri 2025 experienced the highest sales in a decade, fueled by consumer spending across automobiles, electronics, and retail. For instance, Maruti Suzuki received over 7 lakh inquiries and sold 85,000 vehicles during the festival. Mahindra and Hyundai also saw substantial growth in SUV sales. Meanwhile, Durga Puja contributed 65,000 crore INR to the West Bengal economy, with Kolkata alone accounting for nearly 70% of the business. Spending on murtis, decorations, and rituals supported thousands of local artisans and small traders.​

Karwa Chauth and Bhai Dooj: Strong Consumer Sentiment

Karwa Chauth generated trade worth 28,000 crore INR, reflecting a steady increase over the previous two years. Delhi’s contribution was significant at around 8,000 crore INR. Similarly, Bhai Dooj accounted for 22,000 crore INR in festive trade, with metro cities witnessing high demand for sweets, apparel, jewelry, and gift hampers. Both festivals supported local businesses, including travel, restaurants, and hotel sectors, showing the broader economic ripple effects during festivals.​

Holi and Raksha Bandhan: Promoting Local and Eco-Friendly Products

Holi 2025 generated 60,000 crore INR in trade, a 20% rise from 2024. There was a strong preference for herbal colors, handmade sweets, and festive wear, boosting small businesses and regional markets. Raksha Bandhan generated 17,000 crore INR, with growing sales of patriotic and eco-friendly rakhis made from seeds, bamboo, and cotton. Customized rakhis became a popular trend, especially in urban and tier-2 markets, enhancing demand for handcrafted and locally made items.​

Economic Ripple Effects and Employment

These festivals not only bolstered direct trade but also contributed to significant employment growth, especially in logistics, transport, retail, hospitality, and artisan sectors. The surge in consumer spending during festivals supported local economies at multiple levels, from rural producers to urban retailers, further promoting government initiatives like Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Hindu festivals of 2025 have emerged as powerful engines of economic growth in Bharat. From mega events like Mahakumbh to regional and urban celebrations such as Deepawali and Durga Puja, these festivals significantly boosted trade, created millions of jobs, and strengthened local industries. The data highlights the festivals’ integral role in sustaining livelihoods, promoting local craftsmanship, and reinforcing cultural identity, all while contributing substantially to Bharat’s economy.​

Source: 10 Hindu Festivals That Boosted India’s Economy in 2025