Karva Chauth is not just a festival of love and devotion — it also gives a big boost to India’s economy. Every year, this festival helps thousands of small traders, roadside vendors, mehndi artists, and shopkeepers earn their livelihood. From jewellery and saree shops to beauty parlours and sweet sellers, everyone benefits from the festive rush.
Karva Chauth, the popular Hindu festival celebrated by married women across India, has generated business worth around ₹28,000 crore (US$ 3.16 billion) this year, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Of this, Delhi alone contributed about ₹8,000 crore (US$ 901.8 million).
The festival, where women observe a nirjala fast (without food or water) for the long life and well-being of their husbands, brought massive festive activity to markets, malls, and shopping streets nationwide.
Karwa Chauth is one of the most important festivals celebrated by married Hindu women across India, especially in North Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. On this day, women observe a day-long fast for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands. In 2025, Karwa Chauth was observed on Friday, October 10.
In Delhi, major markets such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, Rajouri Garden, and Connaught Place saw heavy footfall. Shoppers purchased traditional Karva Chauth items like sarees, lehengas, pooja thalis, sieves, earthen pots, sweets, jewellery, cosmetics, and gifts. Beauty parlours, mehndi artists, and salons also witnessed long queues, providing seasonal income to artisans and small service providers.
This year’s festive business saw a sharp rise compared to previous years — up from ₹22,000 crore in 2024 and ₹15,000 crore in 2023. Recent GST rate cuts and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to “buy and sell Swadeshi” encouraged higher spending and boosted domestic sales.
In addition to shopping, community Karva Chauth gatherings were organised across the country, further adding to local economic activity. CAIT noted that the festival is not just a celebration of love and devotion, but also a major driver of domestic trade, benefiting millions of small traders and shopkeepers across India.
