Diwali sees rise in experience-led spending and high-value lifestyle purchases, say experts

By Admin

15 Oct, 2025

This Diwali, the sound of celebrations is not just echoing in homes but across destinations, resorts, and wellness retreats across India. The festival of lights has taken on a new meaning one defined by experiences, travel, and premium indulgence rather than traditional home-based festivities.

Shift Toward Experience-Led Celebrations
Industry insiders report a significant transformation in consumer spending patterns. More people are choosing destination-led getaways, curated hospitality, and wellness retreats over material purchases. According to experts, this shift reflects growing discretionary spending and a deeper desire to create memorable festive moments.

Travel and Wellness Take Center Stage
Hospitality leaders across the country are witnessing a surge in bookings for short breaks and festive travel packages. Pawan Chahar, General Manager of Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, shared that guests this year are choosing nature-centric retreats, wellness add-ons, and intimate celebrations instead of grand gatherings.
“This year, we are seeing a shift in how people choose to celebrate, with a preference for experiences over extravagance. Guests are spending more on moments that matter,” he said.

Luxury Cruises and Curated Experiences on the Rise
Luxury travel operators are also tapping into this evolving trend. Vineet Arora, COO of Antara Luxury River Cruises, mentioned that bespoke festive sailings are gaining traction. Their curated packages blend wildlife excursions with traditional Diwali rituals, offering travelers an unmatched combination of luxury and cultural immersion.

Premium Getaways and Boutique Hospitality Boom
At Summit Hotels & Resorts, bookings for premium rooms, wellness experiences, and 2–4 night hill station getaways have surged. This reflects heightened consumer confidence and a willingness to invest in curated festive experiences. Similarly, boutique and heritage properties are seeing parallel growth.
Shradha Binani, Founder of Amaraanth Goa, noted that guests now prioritize comfort, slow living, and personalized hospitality over large-scale festivities.

Multi-Generational Travel and Bespoke Celebrations
The trend of multi-generational travel is also on the rise. Rajat Gera, Commercial Director at Six Senses Fort Barwara, highlighted that families are investing in customized celebrations, including private pujas, wellness rituals, and curated feasts   emphasizing authenticity and togetherness.

Industry-Wide Momentum and Policy Support
According to K. B. Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India (HAI), Diwali falling on a Monday this year has created a long weekend, spurring short leisure breaks and staycation demand. He also pointed out that recent GST reforms have boosted demand, particularly in the midscale hospitality segment.

Gifting Experiences Becomes the New Normal
Adding to the festive evolution, Udit Kumar, Co-founder of Brij Hotels, observed that consumers are increasingly gifting experiences instead of material goods. He noted, “There’s an uptick in discretionary spending and a growing preference for experiential stays and curated celebrations over simple getaways.”

The Festival of Lights Turns Experiential
From heritage stays and luxury cruises to wellness retreats and destination celebrations, Diwali 2025 is witnessing a paradigm shift toward meaningful indulgence. As more Indians choose to celebrate through experiences that nurture joy, connection, and rejuvenation, the festival of lights is glowing brighter than ever   not just in homes, but in hearts and destinations across the country.