From mindful gifting to conscious luxury and colourful homes, brands this festive season are blending culture, commerce, and connection — turning celebration into a reflection of evolving Indian values.
Festive 2025: How brands are adding meaning, colour, and connection to celebration — from mindful gifting to expressive homes, reflecting India’s shift toward conscious consumption. (Source: freepik)
The Indian festive season has always been a spectacle — of lights, colour, and community. Yet, in 2025, the celebrations feel different. This time, joy is infused with consciousness; indulgence balanced with intention. Across industries — from fashion and wellness to tech, travel, and sweets — brands are not just selling products, but helping consumers celebrate their evolving values.
If the last decade turned festivals into consumer peaks, this one is turning them into cultural moments of mindful connection.
“Gifting is becoming more personal, mindful, and experience-driven,” says Swagatika Das, Co-founder and CEO, Nat Habit. “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.”
The rise of ritual boxes, self-care hampers, and natural products signals a deeper shift — where wellness has become a language of love. “More people now view self-care not just as a personal ritual but as a way to express care and connection,” she adds.
For Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder-Chairman Emeritus of Dr Batra’s® Healthcare, this shift toward health-centric gifting reflects a new kind of social consciousness. “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.”
Even data supports this sentiment — health tech and diagnostics firms like B’spoke Wellness report increased festive interest. “Diwali is no longer just a time for indulgence but an opportunity to invest in long-term well-being,” note co-founders Sid Das and Subodh Yadav. “Consumers are focusing on preventive and precision-driven solutions that promote lasting health. The demand for advanced diagnostics and personalized plans reflects India’s growing wellness maturity.”
Luxury, too, is undergoing a transformation. At Solitario, where lab-grown diamonds define a new era of responsible beauty, co-founder Ricky Vasandani calls it “a cultural shift where timeless beauty, sustainability, and inclusivity are shaping the new language of luxury.”
He explains, “Buyers are gravitating towards conscious luxury — jewellery that balances beauty with responsibility. Millennials in particular are embracing jewellery as a form of self-expression that reflects both individuality and ethics.”
Similarly, Sangeeta Chetan, Founder and CEO of Zaveri Bros Diamonds and Gold, observes that the jewellery industry is sparkling with personalization. “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.”
In fashion, the festive story is one of reinvention rooted in identity. Shyam Prasad, CEO and Founder, Brand Studio Lifestyle, notes, “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 pyjamas, new-age shoppers are also buying casual, versatile fashion that resonates with Indian vibes.”
Women’s wear, he adds, is seeing a “refreshing transformation” — fusion wear, coord sets, and modern dresses with Indian motifs are redefining festive dressing.
At Fabindia, that evolution is steeped in craftsmanship. “There is a growing preference for slow and thoughtful purchases that carry the beauty of handwork, natural fabrics, and regional artistry,” says Sumit Arora, President - Apparel. “Our annual campaign ‘Svarnim - The Golden Journey’ celebrates this blend of heritage and modern expression.”
And for Zouk, where vegan handbags meet Indian artistry, founder Disha Singh believes this is the season of self-expression. “Consumers are looking for statement pieces that complete their festive look. Gifting is no longer about passing on something generic — it’s about showing care and taste.”
The festive season isn’t just about what people wear — it’s also about how they live. As homes across India prepare to welcome prosperity, colour is playing a bigger role than ever in shaping the festive spirit.
“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,” says Kuldip Raina, MD & CEO, Shalimar Paints. “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.”
In technology, sentiment has taken center stage. CP Khandelwal, CEO of PSAV, official partner for HONOR smartphones, says, “The Indian festive season is more about emotions than aspiration. Consumers are taking mindful choices, where gifts reflect thought and gadgets express individuality.”
Even as online platforms drive discovery, Khandelwal points out that “offline touchpoints remain important for experience and credibility.” The message is clear — technology must not just perform, it must connect.
For some, celebration means movement. “This Diwali, more travellers are opting for extended breaks, turning the festival into a time for leisure, travel, and immersive experiences,” shares Arindam Basu, VP - Marketing and Communications, Delta Corp. The company has seen a “67% rise in global travel interest to India and an 18% rise in domestic travel interest year-on-year.”
Meanwhile, festive indulgence is being reimagined at the table. “There’s a strong shift back to Indian flavours, but with a modern, elevated presentation,” says Arvind Dadu, Managing Director, Anand Sweets. “People are seeking sweets that tell a story — rooted in nostalgia yet crafted for today’s palate.”
From conscious consumption to cultural confidence, this year’s festive season captures the new rhythm of India — where tradition meets transformation, indulgence meets intention, and commerce carries meaning.
As Ganesh Sonawane, CEO of Frido, sums up, “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.”
Clearly, this festive season isn’t just about shopping — it’s about celebrating who we are becoming. For brands and consumers alike, the message shines through every diya lit and every gift exchanged: celebration, when done consciously, becomes connection.
Empower your business. Get practical tips, market insights, and growth strategies delivered to your inbox
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms & Conditions
