During Diwali, people buy a wide range of items to celebrate the festival. Traditional purchases include new clothes like sarees and kurtas, jewelry (especially gold), and home décor items such as diyas, candles, and rangoli kits. Sweets and snacks are essential, with popular options being laddoos and dry fruits. Gifts like electronics, personalized hampers, and home appliances are also commonly bought.
Many invest in big-ticket items like cars and two-wheelers, taking advantage of festive discounts. Eco-friendly firecrackers and smart gadgets are trending, reflecting both modern and traditional aspects of Diwali shopping.
With the growing influence of e-commerce and social media, shopping trends have shifted over the years. But certain traditions and categories remain timeless. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular items that people buy during Diwali, helping you plan your shopping list in line with the festival’s spirit.
1. Traditional Clothes and Fashion
One of the first things that come to mind when we think of Diwali is new clothes. Wearing new attire is an age-old tradition, symbolizing fresh beginnings and purity. People splurge on ethnic wear like sarees, lehengas, sherwanis, and kurta-pajamas, keeping up with the latest fashion trends. This is the time when designers release their Diwali collections, making it the perfect occasion to shop for traditional outfits with a modern twist.
Top Clothing Items Bought During Diwali:
| Clothing Item | Preferred Style/Material |
|---|---|
| Sarees | Silk, Banarasi, Kanjivaram |
| Lehengas | Velvet, Zari work |
| Kurta-Pajamas | Cotton, Silk |
| Sherwanis | Embroidered, Jacquard |
| Jewelry | Gold, Kundan, Diamond |
💡Pro Tip: Many online platforms offer Diwali sales on clothing. Check for festive discounts, and don’t forget to explore cashback options on payment apps like Paytm and Google Pay.
2. Gifts for Family and Friends
Gift-giving during Diwali is deeply rooted in Indian culture. Exchanging gifts symbolizes goodwill and strengthens bonds among family and friends. From sweets and dry fruits to expensive gadgets and home appliances, gifting during Diwali ranges from the simple to the extravagant.
Popular Diwali Gifts:
| Gift Type | Popular Examples |
|---|---|
| Sweets & Dry Fruits | Kaju Katli, Motichoor Ladoo, Almonds, Cashews |
| Electronics | Smartphones, Smartwatches, Tablets |
| Home Appliances | Microwave ovens, Air fryers, Dishwashers |
| Personalized Gifts | Custom mugs, Photo frames, Customized hampers |
🎁 Best Example: A beautifully curated hamper of assorted dry fruits and sweets is one of the most versatile and appreciated gifts during Diwali. You can also add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a customized gift box.
3. Sweets and Festive Treats
No Diwali celebration is complete without indulging in delicious sweets. Mithai (traditional Indian sweets) and savory snacks are at the heart of every Diwali gathering. People buy sweets for their homes and to gift others. Popular options include laddoos, barfis, and gulab jamuns, while savory snacks like chakli and namak pare are equally popular.
Best-Selling Sweets and Savories:
| Sweets | Savory Snacks |
|---|---|
| Kaju Katli | Chakli |
| Rasgulla | Namak Pare |
| Motichoor Laddoo | Mathri |
| Peda | Sev |
| Jalebi | Kachori |
🍬 Fun Fact: Kaju Katli remains one of the most popular Diwali sweets due to its rich taste and appeal to both young and old alike.
4. Diwali Diyas and Candles
Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights, and no Diwali celebration is complete without diyas and candles. These small earthen lamps illuminate homes and add to the festive ambiance. Nowadays, there is a growing trend toward decorative and eco-friendly lighting options, including LED diyas, electric lamps, and colorful lanterns.
Types of Diwali Lighting People Buy:
| Lighting Type | Popular Choices |
|---|---|
| Traditional Diyas | Clay diyas, Hand-painted diyas |
| Candles | Scented candles, Designer candles |
| Lanterns | Paper lanterns, Metal lanterns |
| LED Lights | Fairy lights, String lights, LED diyas |
🪔 Eco-Friendly Tip: Opt for clay diyas made by local artisans. They are biodegradable and support small businesses during the festive season.
5. Home Décor and Renovation Items
Many people use the festive season as an opportunity to redecorate their homes. Whether it’s a new coat of paint, fresh curtains, or an entire home renovation, Diwali shopping often involves home improvement. People invest in new furniture, bedding, curtains, and other home décor items to give their homes a festive and welcoming vibe.
Most Popular Home Décor Items:
| Décor Item | Popular Trends |
|---|---|
| Rangoli Kits | Pre-made designs, Rangoli colors |
| Cushions & Curtains | Festive patterns, Embroidery |
| Furniture | Wooden furniture, Modular pieces |
| Wall Hangings | Tapestries, Paintings of deities |
| Indoor Plants | Peace lilies, Snake plants |
🎨 Creative Idea: Rangoli kits with stencils are a huge hit as they make it easy for people to create intricate patterns without much effort.
6. Electronics and Gadgets
In recent years, electronics and gadgets have become top-selling items during Diwali. From smartphones to smart TVs, people use the festive season to upgrade their tech. The Diwali sales, both online and offline, offer huge discounts, making it the ideal time to invest in electronics.
Top Electronic Purchases During Diwali:
| Gadget | Popular Models |
|---|---|
| Smartphones | iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S23 |
| Smart TVs | Mi TV, Sony Bravia |
| Laptops | MacBook Air, HP Pavilion |
| Smartwatches | Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch |
| Kitchen Appliances | Air fryers, Induction cooktops |
📱 Best Example: The iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones see massive sales during Diwali, thanks to festive offers and easy EMI options.
7. Jewelry and Gold
Buying gold during Diwali is considered auspicious, especially on Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day festival. People invest in gold coins, jewelry, and even gold-plated home décor items. With gold prices fluctuating throughout the year, Diwali sales offer customers a chance to purchase gold at competitive prices.
Top Jewelry Items Bought During Diwali:
| Jewelry Item | Popular Trends |
|---|---|
| Gold Coins | Engraved with Lakshmi and Ganesh |
| Gold Bangles | Traditional designs with modern appeal |
| Diamond Jewelry | Solitaire rings, Diamond necklaces |
| Kundan Jewelry | Kundan sets, Earrings |
| Silver Items | Silver coins, Silver diyas |
💍 Pro Tip: If you’re looking to buy gold or diamond jewelry, many jewelers offer 0% making charges during Diwali, making it an ideal time to make your purchase.
8. Automobiles: Cars and Two-Wheelers
Diwali is a popular time for purchasing new cars and two-wheelers. Many automakers offer attractive discounts, extended warranties, and festive financing options, making it a great time to invest in a vehicle. In fact, buying a vehicle during Diwali is seen as a symbol of prosperity and success.
Most Bought Vehicles During Diwali:
| Vehicle Type | Popular Models |
|---|---|
| Cars | Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Creta, Tata Nexon |
| Two-Wheelers | Honda Activa, Bajaj Pulsar, TVS Jupiter |
| Electric Vehicles (EVs) | Tata Nexon EV, Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro |
🚗 Best Example: The Tata Nexon EV has become a popular choice for those looking to invest in electric vehicles, offering sustainability and long-term savings.
9. Home Appliances
Diwali sales on home appliances are hugely popular, with retailers offering deep discounts on everything from washing machines to refrigerators. Many people take advantage of these sales to upgrade their home appliances or purchase new ones.
Most Popular Home Appliances:
| Appliance | Popular Models |
|---|---|
| Refrigerators | LG Double Door, Samsung Convertible Fridge |
| Washing Machines | IFB Front Load, Whirlpool Top Load |
| Microwave Ovens | IFB Microwave, Samsung Convection Microwave |
| Air Purifiers | Dyson Air Purifier, Philips 2000 Series |
| Vacuum Cleaners | Dyson V11, Eureka Forbes Robo |
🍽 Pro Tip: Look out for Diwali special offers from leading home appliance brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Some retailers also offer extended warranties and freebies during the festive season.
10. Diwali Firecrackers
Though many cities in India have imposed restrictions on the use of firecrackers due to pollution concerns, firecrackers still remain a popular Diwali purchase in areas where they are allowed. People, especially children, enjoy lighting sparklers, flowerpots, and other safe crackers to celebrate the festival.
However, with the rising awareness about environmental issues, many people are shifting to eco-friendly and noiseless crackers.
Popular Firecrackers During Diwali:
| Type of Firecracker | Eco-Friendly Options |
|---|---|
| Sparklers | Green sparklers with reduced emissions |
| Flowerpots (Anars) | Low-smoke anars |
| Chakras | Eco-friendly chakras |
| Phuljhadi | Noiseless phuljhadis |
🎇 Eco-Friendly Tip: Opt for eco-friendly crackers, which produce less smoke and noise, to celebrate Diwali responsibly and reduce pollution.
Conclusion: As we’ve explored, Diwali shopping covers a wide array of categories, from traditional clothes and sweets to modern electronics and automobiles. Whether you’re sticking to cultural practices or exploring the latest trends, Diwali is the perfect time to indulge, shop, and spread joy with gifts.
With the rise of e-commerce, festive discounts, and innovative products, Diwali shopping has become more exciting and accessible. Make the most of the festive offers and fill your cart with items that not only bring joy to your family but also keep the spirit of Diwali alive in your homes. Happy Diwali! 🪔🎉
