Festive Season

Sales are up two to three times from the previous year. Brands leaned on AI-driven forecasting, decentralised fulfilment and closer coordination with platforms to stay on schedule despite packed warehouses and worker shortages

GST 2.0 drives festive car sales, but food and medicine price cuts remain elusive: Survey

Uneven pass-through of GST rate cuts in essential goods segments

Festive season expected to drive real estate surge, inquiries up by 10–15%, but developers keep incentives

Market observers said that developers and brokers are continuing to attract customers using incentive schemes, including discounts, white goods (electronic items), and payment plans.

GST cuts, discounts boost festive demand as tier 2, 3 shoppers upgrade

Large-screen television sets, water purifiers, dishwashers, washing machines and fashion wear — tier 2 and 3 towns are loading their shopping carts like never before

FMCG, retail majors post steady volume momentum in Q2FY26, optimistic on festive demand

What's more, these companies remain optimistic about sustained growth, supported by easing inflation, Goods and Services Tax rate cuts and a gradual pickup in rural and discretionary spending.

Coloured stone jewellery is the comeback accessory you can’t miss this festive season

When it comes to jewellery, versatile designs like stud earrings, layered chains, cocktail rings, and stackable bangles are wise choices. Semi-precious stone jewellery pieces adapt across occasions, making them suitable for daily wear as well as special events.

Flat July-Aug shipments, muted festival season set to pull India’s smartphone market down this year

With Diwali coming early, Q4 volumes may soften, pulling full-year shipments down to 148–149 million, below 151 million in the previous year

Festive home refresh: 6 bold decor pieces to make your space glow with luxury and charm

If you're looking to amp up your home this festive season, forget over-the-top displays. Focus on a few statement décor pieces—lighting, textiles, and furniture—that speak of warmth, elegance, and timeless celebration. Architect shares some secrets to making every corner feel festive, without the fuss

NBFCs see festive credit growth in top gear, riding on auto loans after GST cuts

Analysts estimate the GST cuts to spur a strong demand for vehicles during Navratri - between September 22 and October 2 - and benefit automakers as well as financiers.

Festive Gifting Ideas 2025: Win your loved ones over with these thoughtful gifts, from table linens to houseplants

With the festive season around, it is time to get together with your loved ones. This year, make it special by gifting them something they’ll love and cherish for a long time. Take a look at these festive gifting ideas to help sort your choices.

GST cut, festive demand may cushion $10 billion tariff blow for jewellers

Facing steep 50% US tariffs, India’s gems and jewellery exporters turn to strong festive demand and tax relief at home to soften the blow. However, support from the government remains key to tide over short-term challenges

More phones, more offers: Festival sales to bring bigger deals, premium upgrades for buyers

Analysts expect smartphone sales volumes to grow 4% this year, with the overall market value rising 7% as Indian consumers upgrade to higher-priced models

GST rate cut uncertainty may dampen festive sales, AC makers most at risk

There is definitely a risk that high-ticket, price-sensitive purchases like air-conditioners, refrigerators, or premium durables could see some deferment if consumers believe the GST cuts will take effect soon, says an analyst

India’s power demand could see an uptick from August-end: Tata Power CEO

Praveer Sinha, CEO of Tata Power, also said the company plans to double its rooftop solar business from the current 25,000 installations per month to 50,000 by the end of FY26.

Gig hiring to rise 15–20% with over 2.16 lakh new roles as firms kick off festival season push early

Retailers, e-commerce firms and logistics players have begun festive hiring weeks in advance, eyeing deeper reach and faster fulfilment across smaller cities

Firms plan bigger discounts, faster deliveries for sale revival: Report

The companies are planning to ramp up their fast delivery services and have already begun stocking up for the festive season

ONDC cuts Dec incentive payout by 33% to Rs 40 lakh, records 14.4 mn transactions in Nov

ONDC recorded a transaction volume of 14.4 million in November as against 14 million orders in October.

Diwali set to light up real estate sales; inquiries up by 15-20%: Developers

Experts said attractive interest rates on home loans and the cultural inclination to make significant investments such as buying real estate during Diwali are adding to the sales glitter.

After a slow Q2, two-wheeler sales on recovery path driven by festive demand, rural sales

Industry players say that the jump in retail sales witnessed in the first 25 days of this festival season is attributed to factors including attractive discounts, tailor-made financing options, new models and rising incomes.

Gold jewellery sales may rise 30% this festive season on attractive pricing: GJC

The demand for gold has also been supported by global market trends, particularly the increasing focus of central banks on gold reserves

Top car loan interest rates from 18 banks to buy a car this festive season

Thinking of buying a car this festive season? This is a great time to purchase a car, as banks offer attractive car loan interest rates, discounts on processing fees, and flexible EMI options.

Festive blues: Here's how to deal with stress, loneliness, sadness during the holiday season

How to overcome festive blues: By managing your expectations, staying connected with loved ones, and prioritising self-care, you can create a more balanced and peaceful festive season. 

Centre releases Rs 1.78 lakh cr tax devolution to states, including advance instalment for festive season

The Union Government has doubled the release to help states manage their finances more effectively during the festive period.

Samsung, Apple rule in $3-bn smartphone haul of 11-day festive sales

Smartphone brands collectively sold devices worth $3 billion during the initial 11-day phase of the 2024 festive season

Deal Drought: Discounts, incentives absent as the festive season sees strong real estate sales

Earlier, during the festive season, developers often offered upfront discounts to the listed price of the home being sold.