Chhath Puja 2025 Expected to Generate Rs 38,000 Crore in Economic Activity Across India: CAIT Report

Around 150 million people are participating in Chhath Puja celebrations this year according to traders' organization reports.

New Delhi:

Chhath Puja, the grand festival honoring the Sun God, is projected to significantly boost India's economy with expected trade of approximately Rs 38,000 crore nationwide, according to Friday's announcement by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

This represents a substantial 22.58 percent increase from last year's Rs 31,000 crore and Rs 27,000 crore in 2023, highlighting the festival's expanding cultural and economic importance across the country.

The four-day celebration, observed with devotion and magnificence, has evolved beyond religious significance to become a major catalyst for local commerce and promotion of Swadeshi (domestically produced) goods.

CAIT reported that approximately 150 million people are engaged in Chhath Puja rituals this year, including fasting, ceremonial bathing, and offering prayers to both the setting and rising sun.

Originally predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Chhath has transformed into a nationwide festival symbolizing purity, discipline, and the profound relationship between humanity and nature.

In Delhi alone, Chhath-related commerce is anticipated to exceed Rs 6,000 crore this year. The capital, home to a substantial Purvanchali population, has established approximately 1,500 ghats for devotees to perform rituals.

Major locations such as Yamuna Ghat, Kalindi Kunj, Wazirabad, and Geeta Colony have been elaborately decorated to accommodate hundreds of thousands of worshippers.

The festival is celebrated with equal enthusiasm across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and other states.

Markets throughout India are experiencing tremendous customer traffic as devotees purchase traditional Chhath essentials including bamboo baskets (sup, daura, dalia), earthen lamps, sugarcane, fruits, sweets, sarees, utensils, and various ceremonial items.

Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, described Chhath Puja as not merely a religious observance but a reflection of India's social harmony and cultural unity.

He noted that the festival supports local merchants and small-scale industries, reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Vocal for Local" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India).

The majority of items used during Chhath Puja are handcrafted by local artisans, strengthening the cottage industry sector and generating employment opportunities.

Khandelwal emphasized that Chhath also promotes cleanliness, environmental consciousness, and self-discipline, positioning it as one of India's most comprehensive and meaningful festivals.