The festival of Chhath will be celebrated with full enthusiasm starting from 5th November i.e. Nahay Khay till 8th November. This festival, which will last for four days i.e. 96 hours, will see the participation of people from all over India, especially Bihar and Jharkhand, as well as people from Purvanchali communities living in different states. About 15 crore people including women, men and children are expected to participate in Chhath Puja rituals. According to an estimate, the country’s economy can get a benefit of Rs 12 thousand crore in these 96 hours. According to the report of Confederation of All India Traders, there will be trade worth around Rs 12,000 crore across the country on the occasion of Chhath Puja, marking it as one of the most culturally important festivals of India.
Delhi markets buzzing
Chhath Puja is celebrated in a grand manner not only in Bihar, Jharkhand or the eastern parts of the country but also in Delhi. Many markets like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Model Town, Ashok Vihar, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Rani Bagh, Uttam Nagar, Tilak Nagar are buzzing with people buying essential items for traditional Chhath Puja. According to CAT National President BC Bhartia, apart from Bihar and Jharkhand, Chhath Puja is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh. Many Purvanchalis live in these states, who work to boost the local economy. This festival, which involves the worship of both the setting and rising sun, symbolizes the inclusive nature of Indian culture.
These items are being sold
According to CAT, there is a huge demand for essential Chhath Puja items like bamboo baskets, banana leaves, sugarcane, sweets, fruits and vegetables (especially coconut, apple, bananas and green vegetables). Traditional attire including saree, lehenga-chunni, salwar-kurta for women and kurta-pajama, dhoti for men are being purchased in large quantities, due to which local traders and small industries are benefiting. Hand-made items produced on a small scale are also being sold well.
Local economy is getting a boost
CAT General Secretary and MP Praveen Khandelwal emphasized that Chhath Puja is not just a religious festival, but an integral part of Indian culture, which reflects social unity and dedication. It also promotes trade and directly benefits local producers, strengthening Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). He said that most of the products used during Chhath Puja are prepared by local artisans and craftsmen, thereby creating new employment opportunities and supporting cottage industries. According to Bhartia, Chhath Puja, beyond its spiritual significance, has emerged as a major opportunity for business and employment, bringing new economic energy to the Indian markets.
