Karva Chauth Sets the Stage for a Whopping ₹15,000 Crore Nationwide Business Bonanza

As the auspicious occasion of Karva Chauth dawns, markets across India are buzzing with excitement and anticipation, poised for a massive financial boost. The festival is expected to generate a staggering business turnover of over ₹15,000 crore countrywide, a testament to the spirit and fervor of this cherished tradition.

Noida, a bustling city in the National Capital Region, is no exception to the Karva Chauth shopping extravaganza, with the local markets anticipated to witness transactions worth ₹100 crore. The spirited atmosphere in Noida mirrors the nationwide enthusiasm for this significant festival.

In the heart of the nation, Delhi, an astounding business of more than ₹1,500 crore is on the cards. This year’s celebrations promise to be even more significant as an increasing number of men have begun fasting on Karva Chauth, standing in solidarity with their wives.

Sushil Kumar Jain, Delhi NCR convener of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), shared insights into the importance of this festival. He explained that Karva Chauth, celebrated in November, holds profound significance in Indian culture. It symbolizes good luck, with married women fasting on this day to pray for the long and prosperous lives of their husbands. The day culminates with the observation of the moon, and women break their fasts after darshan and moon worship. Throughout the day, women also revere Karwa Devi, narrating the tale of Karwa Mata and seeking the well-being of their families.

The days leading up to Karva Chauth have witnessed a surge of women thronging the markets of Noida, Delhi, and the entire nation. A multitude of women are flocking to markets in preparation for the grand celebration of Karva Chauth, and shopkeepers have spared no effort in preparing for this grand affair, adorning the markets with festive decor.

The festival spurs extensive shopping, encompassing items ranging from jewelry, clothing, and makeup materials to sarees, puja calendars, and puja essentials, including Karvas, sieves, lamps, and flower sticks. Storybooks and lamps are also popular choices among women. Ornamental items such as red glass bangles, toe rings, anklets, lockets, and bangles are also in high demand. This year, silver Karvas have made an appearance in the market, creating a buzz among shoppers.

The Karva Chauth festivities involve an array of rituals, including offerings of pure ghee, Ganga water, rice, sweets, red Mahavar (color), comb, bindi, bangles, Mehndi Chunari, a photo of Shiva-Parvati and Lord Ganesha, a book of fast stories, clay or cow for making Deepak Gauri, cow dung, wheat, a water pot, raw milk, kumkum, incense sticks, fruits, flowers, and more.

The practice of applying Mehndi, considered highly auspicious during Karva Chauth, fuels a thriving business across the nation. Mehndi artists are in high demand, with women queuing up in markets, temples, and other public spaces for exquisite Mehndi designs. Even beauty parlors have made special arrangements to apply Mehndi on this special day. Remarkably, this tradition has transcended gender norms, with an increasing number of men partaking in the Mehndi application ritual.

Lastly, it is crucial to remember that on Karva Chauth, married women avoid buying white-colored clothing or any makeup items related to this color. Similarly, white-colored clothes or bangles are not included in the puja. Purchasing sharp objects like knives, scissors, or needles on this day is strongly discouraged, as it is considered inauspicious.

The nationwide fervor for Karva Chauth highlights the deep-rooted traditions and cultural significance that continue to thrive in modern India.