Diwali shopping is getting more expensive this year, with households facing higher prices for everything from home appliances and traditional sweets to dry fruits. Appliance prices have risen by 3-7%, mithai by around 15%, while pistachios have nearly doubled in price compared with last Diwali. Rising raw material costs, poor harvests and higher freight charges are adding to the festive season’s expenses.
Diwali Shopping: Appliances And Sweets Become More Expensive
The price hikes come at a time when retailers are expecting higher sales by value, although the number of products sold may not grow at the same pace during Diwali. Electronics retailer Vijay Sales expects festive sales value to increase by nearly 20%, partly driven by higher prices, while volume growth is likely to remain in single digits. Vijay Sales managing director Nilesh Gupta told Moneycontrol that nearly 70% of purchases are now being made through EMIs. He added that consumers are becoming more conscious about spending, even as festive sales remain strong.
Consumer durable brands, including Haier, LG and Blue Star, have increased prices by 3-7% across categories such as air conditioners and televisions. Havells India is also planning a 5-7% price hike during the December quarter to offset rising input costs. Retailers say shoppers are researching products more carefully and prioritising value for money. Cellecor Gadgets founder Ravi Agarwal said consumers are becoming more conscious about their purchases across both small and large appliances.
Also Read: Buying Diwali Mithai In Ahmedabad? You Can Now Ask Sweet Shops To Test It Before You Buy!
Dry Fruit Prices Add To Festive Expenses
Traditional sweets have also become costlier due to higher prices of milk, khoya, sugar, nuts and packaging. A Delhi-based sweet shop chain has raised prices by nearly 15%, with customers increasingly opting for smaller quantities. Jaipur-based Tyohaar Sweets has also increased prices by 10-12% and introduced seed-based alternatives to dry fruits in some gifting hampers.
Dry fruits have seen some of the steepest increases. According to the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council (India), almond prices have risen nearly 35% since last Diwali, while pistachios have almost doubled in price. Almonds now cost ₹1,000-1,200 per kg, compared with ₹800-900 last year. Pistachios are selling at ₹1,500-2,100 per kg, up from around ₹900. Poor harvests in Australia and the US, along with higher freight costs linked to the West Asia conflict, have contributed to the increase.
Also Read: Ayodhyas Ram Temple Lights Up For Diwali: How Deepotsav Keeps An Ancient Tradition Alive
With everyday packaged goods also becoming more expensive following price hikes by FMCG companies, households are facing pressure on multiple fronts. Retailers expect festive spending to continue, but smaller purchases and a shift towards affordable alternatives could shape this year’s shopping trends.
Have you done your Diwali shopping?
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Yan Krukau
FAQs
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Why is Diwali so late in 2026?
Diwali is later in 2026—falling on November 8 instead of mid-to-late October—because the Hindu lunisolar calendar incorporates an extra leap month known as Adhik Maas (or Purushottam Maas).
Is there any Diwali sale going?
Major Diwali shopping sales are currently live online and across stores in Mumbai, offering deep discounts on electronics, fashion, home décor, and festive essentials.
