As the festival season begins with Ganesh Chaturthi on Saturday, September 6, Indian traders reject Chinese products, citing high demand for Indian goods, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

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Ganesh Chaturthi, a widely celebrated Hindu festival in India, will be celebrated with unprecedented fervour across the country with expected business of over 25,000 crore, said CAIT.

A look at what CAIT's national president and secretary general say on the estimated sales during Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal

"Ganesh Chaturthi drives significant economic activity, particularly in regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Goa establishing the significance and contribution of Sanatan economy in the country."

Khandelwal said that apart from the money spent on Pandals, the business ecosystem around the festival involves a wide range of industries and local businesses such as Lord Ganesha idols which alone constitute more than Rs 500 crore of business. Flowers, garlands, fruits, coconuts, incense, and other items essential for the rituals are sold in large quantities amounting to another Rs 500 crore. Food and Sweets mainly Modak, the sweet dumpling associated with Lord Ganesha, see a spike in demand. Sweet shops and home-based businesses experience increased sales of over 2,000 crore. Additionally, the festival leads to a rise in catering and snack businesses as families host large gatherings and meals amounting to nearly 3,000 crore. 

CAIT national president BC Bhartia

"After a survey conducted by local traders in these states, it has come to our knowledge that an estimated 20 lakh Ganesh pandals have been set up for the festival. Bhartia added that over seven lakh pandals have been set up across Maharashtra alone followed by five lakh in Karnataka including two lakh each in Andhra, Telangana, and MP, and the remaining two lakhs across the country. Even if you consider a minimum spend of Rs 50,000 per pandal which includes setups, decoration, sound systems, Ganesha idol, flowers, the figure alone crosses 10,000 crore."

Bhartia further added that the tourism and transportation business also gets a massive boost as Ganesh Chaturthi attracts devotees from different regions, resulting in a boost to local tourism. Travel companies, hotels, and transportation services (like buses, cabs, and trains) see increased demand which could be upwards of 2,000 crore. Retail and merchandise shops sell festival-related merchandise such as clothes, accessories, home décor, and gift items to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore. 

Waste management and environmental services also get a major boost with the increasing awareness of eco-friendly practices. Waste management businesses see a rise in demand for services like idol immersion in artificial tanks and recycling of decorative materials. The large-scale organisation of public events, including cultural performances and processions, generates business for event management companies. They handle logistics, security, crowd management, and coordination with local authorities, this vertical could contribute nearly 5,000 crore. 

With the upcoming series of festival seasons which began on Raksha Bandhan, followed by Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratras, Dusherra, Karwa Chauth, Diwali, Chatth Pooja, and the subsequent massive wedding season, the Indian economy is set for a rollercoaster ride led by the significant contribution of the Sanatan economy.