New Delhi — Retail activity across India has surged ahead of Raksha Bandhan, with festival-related business expected to exceed Rs 30,000 crore this year, according to the Confederation of All India Traders.
CAIT National Secretary General and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal said the rakhi segment alone is projected to generate about Rs 25,000 crore in business, with Delhi expected to contribute nearly Rs 4,000 crore.
With four days remaining before the festival, markets in Delhi and across the country are seeing a sharp rise in consumer traffic. Major shopping areas in the capital, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Gandhi Nagar, Khari Baoli and Laxmi Nagar, have reported heavy crowds.
Khandelwal said the economic impact of Raksha Bandhan extends beyond rakhi sales. Spending on gifts, sweets, clothing, electronics, decorative products, dry fruits, puja items and other festive goods is expected to push total trade past Rs 30,000 crore.
This year has also seen stronger demand for themed and locally made rakhis. Alongside traditional designs, sellers are offering rakhis inspired by government initiatives, national themes and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Popular designs include the Viksit Bharat Rakhi, Modi Guarantee Rakhi, BrahMos Rakhi, Nari Vandan Rakhi, Atmanirbhar Bharat Rakhi, Vocal for Local Rakhi, Bharat Gaurav Rakhi, Lakhpati Didi Rakhi, Namami Gange Rakhi, Rashtra Raksha Sutra Rakhi and Amrit Kaal Rakhi.
Khandelwal said children and younger buyers have shown particular interest in BrahMos, Rashtra Raksha Sutra and Viksit Bharat rakhis, while Nari Vandan and Lakhpati Didi designs have gained traction among women because of their emphasis on empowerment and self-reliance.
He said the festival is increasingly serving as a platform for locally produced goods, women-led businesses, cottage industries and artisans in addition to its traditional celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.
The rise in demand for domestically produced rakhis is expected to provide additional seasonal income to women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, small manufacturers and local artisans across India. (Source: IANS)
