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Delhi records surge in alcohol sales during Diwali festival season

Alcohol sales in Delhi surged 13 percent year-on-year during this year's Diwali festival, with excise revenues reaching approximately 600 crore rupees. Record-breaking sales were recorded on the day preceding the festival.

LSN India · 11 November 2026

Delhi records surge in alcohol sales during Diwali festival season

Delhi's alcohol retail sector witnessed a significant spike in consumer demand during the recent Diwali celebrations, with sales figures substantially outpacing last year's performance. Over 40 lakh bottles were sold in a single day, underscoring the festival period's prominence as a peak retail season for liquor vendors across the capital.

The Delhi excise department reported a 13 percent increase in alcohol sales compared to the corresponding period last year. This growth trajectory translated into substantial revenue generation, with the department collecting approximately 600 crore rupees from spirits sales during the extended festival season.

The surge reached its apex on the day immediately preceding Diwali, when retailers recorded sales exceeding 79 crore rupees in value. This figure represented a marked increase from comparable pre-festival sales figures recorded in the previous year, suggesting heightened consumer purchasing behavior in the lead-up to the major Hindu festival.

The elevated sales figures reflect broader consumption patterns observed across Indian cities during major festivals, when traditional celebrations and social gatherings typically drive increased demand for alcoholic beverages. Retail analysts attribute the growth to a combination of improved consumer spending sentiment and the festive season's social customs.