Tihar Festival Sees Significant Spending on Imported Goods
Summary
Tihar shopping is driving a surge in imports of dry fruits, bhai-masala items and sparkling lights, sending billions of rupees abroad. Customs data shows rising costs for key festival goods, with prices also climbing due to supply disruptions and higher transport costs.
Key Points
- Tihar demand has pushed up imports of festival goods, especially bhai-masala items and dry fruits.
- Dry fruits worth 2.47 billion rupees were imported this fiscal year, while bhai-masala-related imports reached 3.29 billion rupees in the first three months.
- Betel nuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews and raisins account for much of the spending on imported Tihar items.
- Sparkling light imports fell in quantity but rose in value, with traders blaming higher dollar rates, policy changes and transport disruptions.
