Diwali sales in 2025 touched a record Rs 6.05 lakh crore led by GST rate cuts and strong demand for local or ‘swadeshi’ products, traders’ body CAIT said on Tuesday, adding this was the highest-ever in India’s trading history. This year’s Diwali sales, which was 25% higher than last year, included Rs 5.4 lakh crore in goods and Rs 65,000 crore in services.

Almost 85% of the total trade in 2025 came from physical markets and smaller traders, CAIT said, marking a comeback for traditional trade that has seen a slowdown in recent years due to the rise of e-commerce and quick commerce. Rural and semi-urban India accounted for 28% of total trade, confirming deeper economic participation beyond metros, the body added.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swadeshi

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