The Holi festival has once again proven to be a major economic force for traders and businesses across India. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), this year’s Holi sales are expected to exceed ₹60,000 crore, which is a 20% increase from last year’s ₹50,000 crore. The demand for Indian-made herbal colors, gulal, water guns, balloons, sweets, dry fruits, and festive clothing has skyrocketed, as traders and customers continue to avoid Chinese products. In Delhi alone, Holi-related business is projected to go beyond ₹8,000 crore, giving a significant boost to local trade and the MSME sectors.
Key Highlights of Holi 2025 Sales & Trends
1. Increased Consumer Spending & Festive Sales Boom
- For Holi 2025, sales are expected to hit over ₹60,000 crore, up from ₹50,000 crore last year.
- In Delhi, the Holi business alone is forecasted to surpass ₹8,000 crore.
- There’s a significant demand for colors, sweets, clothing, FMCG products, and consumer goods.
- We’re also anticipating a bustling atmosphere in wholesale and retail markets throughout India.
2. Boycott of Chinese Goods & Preference for Indian Products
- Consumers are increasingly opting for Indian-made products instead of their Chinese counterparts. Some of the favorites include herbal colors, gulal, water guns, balloons, sandalwood, pooja materials, and clothing.
- This growing preference is really helping local traders and the MSME sectors thrive with the rising demand for Indian goods.
3. Surge in Demand for Festive Attire & Accessories
• White T-shirts, kurta-pajamas, and salwar suits are super popular for Holi celebrations.
• T-shirts featuring “Happy Holi” slogans are flying off the shelves.
• This festive season is really driving sales in the 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.
