Bengal’s Durga Puja Economy Hits Unbelievable ₹50000 Crore Mark in 2025

West Bengal’s Durga Puja economy has staged a remarkable recovery in 2025, growing by an estimated 10–15% to reach Rs 46,000–50,000 crore, according to industry stakeholders. After a 20–30% contraction in 2024 due to inflation and subdued sentiment, this year’s festival, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, has revitalized key sectors like retail, hospitality, transport, and handicrafts. The surge is attributed to increased corporate sponsorships, strong footfalls in malls, and a sharp rise in discretionary spending on consumer goods, reinforcing the festival’s role as a cornerstone of Bengal’s economy, contributing roughly a third of the state’s GDP.

State officials and industry leaders have highlighted several drivers of this economic rebound. State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya noted the festival’s strong growth potential, though she awaits final data post-festival. State Power Minister Aroop Biswas reported a peak electricity demand of 12,050 MW during the 2025 celebrations, compared to 9,912.71 MW in 2024, signaling heightened economic activity. The state government supported this growth by disbursing Rs 1.1 lakh to each of nearly 45,000 puja committees, boosting local economies. Additionally, advertising rates for puja committees surged, with spots booked well in advance, and FMCG companies leveraged the season to launch new products, aided by GST reductions.

Retail and e-commerce sectors reported significant gains, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior. Organized retailers, such as Acropolis Mall and South City Mall, recorded double-digit revenue growth, with jewellery sales rising 25%, footwear 20%, apparel 22%, and food and beverage 18% compared to 2024. The extended puja season, with Panchami and Shashti falling on a weekend, drove early sales. E-commerce platforms saw a blockbuster start, with Redseer reporting a 23–25% year-on-year sales increase in the first two days post-GST rationalization, led by premium smartphones and TVs. White goods and automobile sectors also benefited from festive bookings and financing schemes.

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However, the economic boom was not uniform across all sectors. Small traders and hawkers faced challenges, with the National Hawkers Federation reporting a “very bad” season, likening it to the downturn during the Covid crisis. Saktiman Ghosh, president of the federation, noted that online platforms captured 40% of hawkers’ income, exacerbated by a day of unprecedented rainfall in Kolkata that further dented small business revenues. This disparity underscores a growing divide, with organized retail and e-commerce thriving while traditional small-scale vendors struggled to compete.

The 2025 Durga Puja has reaffirmed its status as a vital economic engine for West Bengal, bouncing back from last year’s setbacks caused by inflation and social unrest following the RG Kar hospital incident. With corporate investments, government support, and robust consumer demand driving growth, the festival has set a new benchmark.

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