Festival Spending: What Actually Happened
Nitin Khanna
The diyas have been put away. The rangoli has been swept. The credit card statement has arrived.
Let's do a post-mortem.
The Festival Spending Spiral
Every year, the same cycle:
- "I'll set a budget this time"
- Festival sales start
- "It's a good deal though"
- Family gifts, new clothes, sweets
- "I'll figure it out next month"
- January arrives. Savings account looks different.
Sound familiar?
The Numbers
According to industry data, Indian consumers spend 30–40% more during the festive season (September–November) compared to other months. That's across categories—electronics, fashion, food, gifts, travel.
The average middle-class Indian household spends an additional ₹15,000–₹30,000 during Diwali alone. That's not counting Durga Puja, Navratri, Onam, or Eid.
Why It Happens
Festival spending isn't just shopping—it's cultural. It's family. It's tradition. And honestly? It's joy.
The problem isn't the spending. It's the surprise. The "wait, where did all my money go?" moment in January.
What If You Planned For It?
Imagine an app that:
- Reminds you in August: "Festival season is coming. Here's what you spent last year."
- Helps you set aside a festival fund
- Tracks gift spending in real-time
- Shows you the actual total—not the imaginary one in your head
That's what we're building with Surelee.
The Take
Festival spending is beautiful. It's generous. It's part of who we are. But it shouldn't be a financial mystery. Plan for it. Track it. Enjoy it and know exactly what it cost.
Your January self will thank you.
Join the waitlist and be ready before the next festival season.