West Bengal’s Durga Puja economy in 2025 rebounded strongly, expanding by an estimated 10–15 per cent to touch around ₹46,000–50,000 crore after a decline last year, stakeholders said.
Buoyant corporate sponsorships, healthy footfalls in malls, rising spending on consumer goods and a positive sentiment among people are major contributors to the growth, they said.
The surge has been attributed to several factors: robust corporate sponsorships, high visitor numbers at shopping malls, a spike in spending on consumer goods, and an overall optimistic public sentiment. The festival, which UNESCO recognises as an intangible cultural heritage, remains a vital economic engine for Bengal, giving a boost to the retail, hospitality, transport, and handicrafts sectors. Business activities related to Durga Puja are frequently thought to contribute at least a third of the state’s GDP.
State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said that Bengal's Puja economy was definitely set to "see strong growth this year." When asked about the prospect of a 15 per cent growth, she commented, "This year, the puja economy will definitely witness strong growth, but it is difficult to put a number right now. I would prefer to wait until offices reopen for the factual data."
Further underlining the increased activity, State Power Minister Aroop Biswas noted that electricity demand this year might hit 12,050 MW, a considerable jump from the 9,912.71 MW peak demand recorded during last year's festival.
Government support continued, with each of the nearly 45,000 puja organising committees receiving a grant of ₹1.1 lakh this year. Ministers suggested that this government spending was expected to further stimulate the Puja economy.
The advertising market linked to puja committees also saw a hike in rates, with officials from ad agencies confirming that spots were booked well in advance. For major FMCG firms, the season served as a platform for new product launches, helped by GST reductions and renewed consumer demand.
Kajal Sarkar, General Secretary of the Forum for Durgotsab, an organisation of community puja committees, described the overall sponsorship market as “very good,” noting that major clubs had raised their rates. He said, "The average hike was around 15 per cent. Several big puja committees also raised their rates, but they are more cautious on budgets than last year."
Last year's estimated Puja economy of around ₹42,000 crore had shrunk by 20–30 per cent due to high inflation, reduced corporate spending, and low public morale. The festive spirit was also dampened by a doctor's rape and murder at RG Kar hospital and subsequent widespread protests, which had an adverse effect on businesses. By contrast, a 2019 British Council report had previously valued Bengal's Puja-related creative industries at ₹32,377 crore.
This year, organised retailers reported double-digit revenue growth compared to 2024. An official from Acropolis Mall confirmed an "excellent turnout and sales." Subhadip Basu, Corporate General Manager (Retail and Hospitality) for Merlin Group, told the media, "Retailers reported a double-digit growth over last year, with jewellery sales up nearly 25 per cent, footwear 20 per cent, apparel 22 per cent and food and beverage around 18 per cent."
An official at South City Mall added, “Almost everyone achieved their targets. Growth has been in the 10–15 per cent range. The extended puja season, with Panchami and Shashti coinciding with the weekend, gave an early start and boosted sales.”
Manufacturers of white goods and automobiles also reported strong interest, with festive bookings supported by GST cuts and attractive financing schemes. E-commerce platforms enjoyed a significant start to the festive period. Strategy consultants Redseer observed that online sales in the first two days following the GST rationalisation grew 23–25 per cent year-on-year, a growth surge four to five times greater than last year’s subdued start.
The National Hawkers Federation described the season as "very bad," comparing it to the severe downturn experienced during the Covid crisis. Federation president Saktiman Ghosh told the media, “Online businesses have eaten 40 per cent of hawkers’ income. Even small shopkeepers have suffered badly. A single day of rain in Kolkata ahead of Durga puja made it worse.”
Hawkers and small businesses found themselves excluded from the gains of Bengal's largest festive market, as most consumer spending was redirected to the larger malls and online platforms.
This year's Durga Puja clearly highlights a significant divergence in economic benefits, with the formal sector thriving while small traders struggled.
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