Tag: CAIT

Business

India’s Grandest Wedding Season Ever: 46 Lakh Marriages to Fuel a Celebration Boom Worth ₹6.5 Lakh Crore

Tanisha Cardozo

India is stepping into a season of celebration unlike any other. Between November 1 and December 14, 2025, the country will host a staggering 46 lakh weddings, marking the biggest wedding season in its history. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimates that these festivities will generate an unprecedented ₹6.5 lakh crore in business — a figure that captures not only the grandeur of Indian weddings but also their growing role as an economic engine.

Across India, wedding planners, jewelers, designers, caterers, and decorators are preparing for a historic boom. The industry has become a reflection of both cultural pride and economic resilience. From opulent destination weddings to intimate traditional ceremonies, each event contributes to a vast ecosystem that fuels everything from gold demand to employment opportunities.

Delhi, the capital of celebrations, will lead this wave with 4.8 lakh weddings, driving ₹1.8 lakh crore in expenditure. The city’s markets, venues, and services are already buzzing with bookings months in advance — from bridal couture and bespoke jewelry to five-star catering and themed decor.

Breaking down the nationwide spending, jewellery accounts for 15%, followed by apparel and sarees at 10%, catering at 10%, event management at 5%, and other key categories like electronics, sweets, and décor making up the rest. The services sector alone — including photography, travel, music bands, floral décor, and sound & lighting — is expected to see its strongest season in years.

What makes this wedding season especially remarkable is its “Vocal for Local” transformation. Over 70% of wedding-related purchases are expected to come from Indian-made products and services, from handwoven bridal sarees and homegrown jewelry labels to local floral artisans and food vendors. This growing preference for local craftsmanship underscores a cultural shift — one where tradition meets conscious consumerism.

Beyond the shimmer and song, the economic impact runs deep. This 45-day wedding season is projected to create more than 1 crore jobs, including temporary and part-time employment across sectors like hospitality, logistics, and event management. The celebrations are also expected to generate ₹75,000 crore in tax revenue, bolstering the national and regional economies during the festive quarter.

Every wedding in India has long been a blend of family, faith, and festivity. But in 2025, it also becomes a story of enterprise and empowerment — a celebration that brings together artisans, designers, planners, and dreamers under one grand canopy. As lights adorn city streets and music fills the air, India’s wedding season stands not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a testament to the country’s economic vitality and evolving identity.

A nation made for celebration is now proving that when India marries, the world takes notice.

Human Interest

Dhanteras 2025 Sees ₹1 Lakh Crore Sales as Gold & Silver Demand Surges Despite Record Prices

Tanisha Cardozo

Indian consumers went on a festive shopping spree this Dhanteras, with total spending crossing ₹1 lakh crore, led by an overwhelming demand for gold and silver despite all-time high prices. According to data released by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), ₹60,000 crore worth of gold and silver was sold — a 25% rise from last year’s Dhanteras.

Gold prices peaked at ₹1,32,000 per 10 grams, a record-high that slightly corrected in major markets like Delhi and Mumbai ahead of the big day. Despite the surge, the gold buying frenzy continued, although volumes dipped 10–15% compared to last year. However, the overall transaction value rose sharply, driven by strategic buyers focused on investment over weight.

Silver proved to be the star of Dhanteras 2025. With prices skyrocketing by nearly 55% year-on-year to ₹1,80,000 per kilogram, demand didn’t wane — in fact, it shifted. Industry data shows a 35–40% increase in silver coin sales, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as buyers chose budget-conscious and ceremonial purchases over heavy gold investments. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) described silver’s rise as a “smart, value-focused investment,” especially for gifting and puja purposes.

Pankaj Arora, National President of the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation, noted an “unprecedented rush” across jewellery markets, particularly in Delhi, where gold and silver sales alone crossed ₹10,000 crore.

Beyond bullion, festive shopping remained upbeat across other segments. Utensils accounted for ₹15,000 crore in sales, while electronics and electrical items saw ₹10,000 crore in purchases. Decorative items and religious materials also contributed an additional ₹3,000 crore.

According to GJC Vice Chairman Avinash Gupta, “Average transaction value rose 20–25% despite volume dips. Most encouraging is the surge in silver coin sales in smaller towns — a reflection of value-seeking, resilient consumers.”

Dhanteras 2025 confirmed that Indian consumers remain deeply committed to tradition, and willing to adapt their buying strategy in response to market trends. Even with volatility in bullion prices, sentiment stayed strong — reaffirming gold and silver’s timeless status as both cultural and economic assets.