Punjab, Sept. 15 -- India's festive season begins with Navratri on 11 October. Last year's window, from Navratri to Diwali, generated a record Rs 6.05 lakh crore in trade - a 25% jump on 2024.
The hiring signal
Festive hiring is expected to climb 15 to 20% this year, according to TeamLease's Festive Season Workforce Report 2026, led by quick commerce and retail.
Hiring forecasts are a more honest indicator than sales forecasts. A retailer optimistic about demand can say so for free; a retailer that actually believes it has to pay for warehouse staff, delivery riders and store hands weeks before the first rupee arrives.
The headwind
This festive season arrives with crude above $100, the rupee past 95, and inflation having crossed the RB...