Indian consumers are estimated to have spent about ₹1 lakh crore on Dhanteras 2025, marking the highest ever single-day festive spending as reported by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), reflecting robust demand in categories like jewellery, electronics, automobiles, and household goods. Such headline estimates are typically based on trader network inputs and should be interpreted as indicative until corroborated by official retail sales or GST collections for the period.
What this indicates
- Strong festive sentiment: Elevated discretionary spending suggests resilient consumer confidence heading into the Diwali peak, aided by promotions, financing offers, and omnichannel availability.
- Category drivers: Gold and silver jewellery purchases traditionally lead Dhanteras, with parallel spikes in appliances, smartphones, and two-wheelers accentuating the basket.
How to contextualize the number
- Source nature: CAIT figures offer timely pulse checks from traders but may differ from official datasets; cross-verify later with monthly GST, e-way bills, and listed retailers’ updates.
- Real vs nominal: Part of the rise can reflect inflation and premium product mix; unit growth and ticket sizes from retailers provide better granularity when available.
Implications for markets and policy
- Retail earnings lens: Strong Dhanteras often precedes healthy festive-quarter prints for jewellery and consumer durables companies, subject to margin and inventory dynamics.
- Macro read-through: Robust seasonal spending can support near-term consumption indicators, though sustainability beyond festivals depends on income and credit conditions.
Investor and shopper takeaways
- Jewellery premiums: Track making charges and buy-back policies; compare hallmarked pieces to ensure value retention beyond the festive rush.
- Durable purchases: Evaluate extended warranties and exchange offers; total cost of ownership often matters more than headline festival discounts.
FAQs
- Is ₹1 lakh crore an official figure?
No; it is an industry estimate from CAIT and should be validated against official data releases and corporate disclosures in subsequent weeks. - Which categories typically lead on Dhanteras?
Jewellery dominates, followed by electronics, appliances, smartphones, and vehicles as consumers club festive deals with auspicious buying. - How reliable are such rapid estimates?
They provide directional insight but can deviate from audited tallies; later GST/retailer reports give firmer confirmation. - Will this boost Q3 results?
It can, especially for jewellery and durables retailers, but profitability depends on discounting intensity and inventory turns during the season.
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