Key Sectors Poised for Gains During 2026 Indian Festive Period

Delhi, 14 Oct – The Confederation of All India Traders (CAT) forecasts that the 2026 festive stretch from Navratri to Diwali will push total commercial activity beyond seven lakh crore rupees, a 15‑18 percent jump from the previous year’s 6.05 lakh crore.

The estimate hinges on surveys of state trade organisations, market demand signals, and heightened commercial movement in non‑metropolitan zones. Service‑sector earnings are projected to climb 20‑25 percent, reaching between 80,000 and one lakh crore.

Transport, logistics, e‑commerce delivery, warehousing, hospitality, tourism, catering and local mobility are singled out as the primary gainers. In the product mix, grocery and FMCG items are expected to capture 12 percent of sales, followed by gold, silver and jewellery at 10 percent. Electronics and electrical goods are slated for an 8 percent share, while consumer durables, ready‑made clothing and gift items each target roughly 7 percent. Home décor and furniture together aim for a 5 percent slice.

Festive cultural events—including Ramleela, Durga Puja, Garba‑Dandiya, fairs, exhibitions and community gatherings—will further lift economic activity. The analysis underscores a consumer shift toward locally manufactured products, Indian brands and offerings from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reinforcing the ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Made in India’, and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ drives.

Khandwal called on shoppers to favor Indian‑made products during the season, noting that such choices will benefit traders, artisans, MSMEs, women‑led businesses, startups and regional service providers.