The Indian festive season has always been synonymous with joy, colour, and community. But today, it has evolved into something far more dynamic – a celebration of values, aspirations, and mindful choices. From health-centric gifting and sustainable luxury to experiential travel and tech-driven personalization, India’s festive landscape mirrors the nation’s cultural confidence and economic optimism. Across industries, brands are responding with innovation, authenticity, and empathy turning this season into both a retail high and a cultural heartbeat.
Here’s how some of India’s leading brands are reading the pulse of the 2025 festive season:
Swagatika Das, Co-founder and CEO, Nat Habit – “This festive season, we’re witnessing an exciting shift in consumer behaviour – gifting is becoming more personal, mindful, and experience-driven. Earlier, nearly 70–80% of festive gifts were convenience-based, but today, around 60% of consumers are choosing thoughtful, wellness-oriented options that feel meaningful. We’re also seeing a rise in demand for gifting kits and ritual boxes that combine sustainability with a premium appeal. More people now view self-care not just as a personal ritual but as a way to express care and connection.”
Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder-Chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra’s® Healthcare – “At Dr Batra’s®, we’re witnessing a clear shift this festive season where health and wellness have emerged as meaningful gifts of choice. Consumers today, especially the younger generation, are moving beyond traditional gifting to embrace preventive care and holistic living. We see this as a positive evolution where celebrating Diwali also means celebrating wellbeing.As a pan-India brand, we’re witnessing an increasing interest from younger customers who value preventive care and holistic living. With our wide network of clinics and wellness products across India, we’re enabling people to gift good health to their loved ones in a simple, thoughtful way. Our products are specially designed and packaged as thoughtful gifts for loved ones, easy to share, easy to use, and perfect for festive gifting. While the festivities bring joy, it’s equally important to stay mindful of pollution and stress, and take small steps toward a healthier, more responsible celebration. We strongly believe that good health is the greatest gift you can bestow this Diwali.”
Sid Das & Subodh Yadav, Co-founders, B’spoke Wellness – “This festive season, we are witnessing a clear shift in how consumers perceive health and wellness. Diwali is no longer just a time for indulgence but an opportunity to invest in long-term well-being. Today’s consumers are moving away from reactive healthcare and are instead focusing on preventive and precision-driven solutions that help detect risks early and promote lasting health. Across the industry, we’re seeing strong demand for advanced diagnostics, deeper biomarker analysis, and personalized health plans tailored to individual biology and lifestyle. This reflects a broader evolution of the wellness market in India, driven by higher awareness, digital adoption, and growing disposable incomes.”
Ganesh Sonawane, Co-founder and CEO, Frido – “We have seen traffic rise by 28% and conversions by 18% over the pre-festive period. If this momentum continues, we anticipate closing the quarter with ~40% growth over last year’s festive sales – supported by festive demand and our continuing organic momentum.”
CP Khandelwal: CEO PSAV, (Official Partner for HONOR Smartphones) – “The Indian festive season is more about emotions than it is about aspiration. Consumers are taking mindful choices, where gifts reflect thought and gadgets express individuality. This sentiment is shaping how consumers engage with technology today. In both metros and smaller cities, intelligent adoption of tech is on the rise. Customers desire to have gadgets that are well-designed, smart and reliable, and not just focus on specifications and performance. The users in Tier-2 and Tier-3, are becoming self-assured decision-makers. Whether it’s gifting or upgrading, they’re choosing products that hold emotional and functional value alike. Online platforms are fuelling discovery, but offline touchpoints are important to experience and credibility. At Honor, this season is about reaffirming our belief that technology should simplify life, inspire confidence, and build lasting trust with every interaction. We view this season as a reaffirmation of India’s growing appetite for innovation that connects purpose with performance.”
Shyam Prasad, CEO & Founder, Brand Studio Lifestyle (house of fast fashion brands like Highlander, Tokyo Talkies, Vishudh among others) – “This festive season, the market sentiment is upbeat, and consumption trends are showing strong momentum across regions. What’s particularly striking is the robust performance from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which are not only driving higher footfalls but also contributing significantly to overall sales with increased average transaction values (ATV) and larger basket sizes.
Beyond the numbers, consumer preferences are evolving, reflecting a blend of cultural roots and contemporary style. In the men’s category, the shift is evident – apart from buying conventional kurta pyjama the new age shoppers are also buying casual, versatile, and trend-driven fashion that resonates with the Indian vibes and also with the modern festive mood. Meanwhile, the women’s wear segment is witnessing a refreshing transformation. Fusion wear, coord sets, and modern dresses with Indian motifs are redefining festive dressing. The focus is on new silhouettes, elevated detailing with a modern festive flair. Overall, this season also witnesses a hint of transition, it’s about personal expression and about modern Indian identity.”
Disha Singh, Founder & CEO, Zouk – “This festive season, we’re seeing consumers look beyond utility, they’re choosing handbags that reflect personal style, cultural pride, and thoughtful design. It’s no longer just about everyday bags, consumers are looking for statement pieces that complete their festive look. At the same time, we’re seeing a strong surge in gifting, people are choosing purposeful, design and experience-led gifts that feel personal and premium. Gifting is no longer about passing on something generic, it’s about showing care and taste. We expect this dual trend of self-expression and thoughtful gifting to drive significant festive sales at Zouk this year. More than ever, consumers are investing in a disease-free future through precision, prevention, and personalization. For the wellness sector, this represents not just increased spending but a cultural transformation towards proactive and sustainable health management.”
Sumit Arora, President- Apparel, Fabindia Ltd. – “As we step into the festive season, we see a renewed appreciation for timeless craftsmanship and meaningful gifting. This year, people are choosing pieces that celebrate heritage while fitting seamlessly into their modern lives. There is a growing preference for slow and thoughtful purchases that carry the beauty of handwork, natural fabrics, and regional artistry. Gifting, too, has become more personal, with customers choosing handcrafted items that tell a story and hold emotional value rather than opting for generic options. At Fabindia, this shift reflects the essence of our annual campaign ‘Svarnim – The Golden Journey’, where every creation becomes a bridge between tradition and modern expression. It has evolved into a form of self-expression, with individuals reinterpreting culture in ways that feel personal, rooted, and joyful.
Ricky Vasandani, Co-founder and CEO, Solitario – “This festive season reflects a clear shift in consumer choices, with buyers gravitating towards conscious luxury – jewellery that balances beauty with responsibility. Lab-grown diamonds are driving this change, offering the same brilliance as mined stones while aligning with values of sustainability, accessibility, and modern aspirations. We are also witnessing a growing demand for versatile, modern pieces that can transition from everyday wear to festive occasions. Jewellery is no longer confined to weddings or milestones; millennials in particular are embracing it as a form of self-expression that reflects both individuality and ethics. At Solitario, we are proud to contribute to this evolution through our lab-grown diamond creations and the newly launched Vermeil Collection, which elevates the idea of conscious luxury. This festive season is more than a celebration, it marks a cultural shift where timeless beauty, sustainability, and inclusivity are shaping the new language of luxury.”
Ms. Sangeeta Chetan, Founder and CEO, Zaveri Bros Diamonds and Gold – “India’s jewellery industry is set to sparkle with the onset of the Diwali and wedding season, the most vibrant time of the year for the trade. The sector anticipates at least 5% year-on-year growth, driven by rising demand for daily wear, office-friendly, and versatile multi-purpose pieces. The bridal market continues to hold strong potential, especially in customizable jewellery. Today’s Gen Next bride is informed, expressive, and eager to co-create. The relationship between jeweller and client has evolved into a true collaboration – one that blends creativity, emotion, and craftsmanship. Each piece now carries shared pride and personal meaning, making every creation a story of partnership and passion.”
Arindam Basu, VP – Marketing and Communications at Delta Corp – “This Diwali, we’re seeing a notable shift in how people celebrate – more travellers are opting for extended breaks, turning the festival into a time for leisure, travel, and immersive experiences. With India witnessing a 67% rise in global travel interest to India for Diwali 2025 and 18% increase in domestic travel interest YoY, Deltin is thrilled to welcome guests looking to combine celebrations with thrill and entertainment. The festive season has evolved beyond traditional home gatherings; it’s now about creating memories, exploring new destinations, and indulging in curated experiences.”
Mr. Arvind Dadu, Managing Director, Anand Sweets – “This festive season, we’re seeing customers lean towards thoughtful gifting, boxes that combine authenticity with creativity. There’s a strong shift back to Indian flavours, but with a modern, elevated presentation. People are seeking sweets that tell a story, rooted in nostalgia yet crafted for today’s palate. At Anand Sweets, we’ve curated collections that celebrate this balance of tradition and innovation, making every box both a gift and an experience.”
Priya Rustogi, Leader (Managing Director), India & SubCon, LWT, LIXIL IMEA (GROHE):“This festive season, we’re seeing consumers approach home upgrades with a more thoughtful and design-conscious mindset. Bathrooms and kitchens are at the centre of this shift, spaces where intelligent design can truly enhance everyday comfort. There is growing demand for features that blend convenience with efficiency and finishes that bring elegance and longevity to modern Indian homes. Purchase decisions are increasingly guided by long-term value, durability, serviceability, and after-sales assurance. For us, this evolving sentiment reflects a growing preference for products that combine performance with purpose, thoughtful choices that elevate living without excess.”
Sumit Suneja, Co-founder, Rabitat:“This festive season, we are seeing a beautiful shift towards gifting with intention. Families are moving away from traditional gifts like sweets, cash, or purely decorative items to choose presents that bring together functionality and practicality, while being aesthetically relevant. People today want to share gifts that reflect thought, care, and creativity while adding a sense of warmth to everyday living. At Rabitat, we believe that gifting should feel personal, purposeful, and full of heart. For us, our customers are at the centre of every festive story, and it is their desire for meaningful gifting that inspires everything we create. The joy of Diwali, for us, lies in helping them make thoughtful choices that bring smiles, build connections, and celebrate how the little things truly matter.”
Kuldip Raina, MD & CEO, Shalimar Paints:“Festive celebrations often begin with a brush of colour. Across homes, people are refreshing their spaces to mirror the spirit of the season—brighter, warmer, and filled with optimism. We are witnessing a delightful shift, as homeowners increasingly embrace expressive hues that not only beautify their walls but also embody the joy of togetherness.
This year, the trend leans toward richer shades, refined textures, and long-lasting finishes that combine durability with aesthetics. The festive palette is evolving beyond mere decoration—it’s about crafting an atmosphere that welcomes light, laughter, and new beginnings. As a legacy brand, we believe that colour has the power to bring joy into people’s lives — and we take pride in spreading happiness through empathy and innovation. From homes to historic landmarks, we are renowned for beautifying spaces and safeguarding iconic structures across the nation.
Our retail partners continue to play a pivotal role in bringing these festive visions to life, helping customers explore unique colour combinations, finishes, and textures that truly reflect their personal style. Celebrated by dealers and customers alike, quality remains the cornerstone of Shalimar’s reputation and success.”
The 2025 festive season embodies India’s evolving spirit where tradition meets transformation, indulgence meets intention, and every purchase carries both meaning and memory. For brands, it’s not just a sales opportunity; it’s a moment to connect with India’s most powerful emotion – celebration itself.