India’s quick-commerce platforms recorded a sharp surge in festive shopping during Diwali 2026, with consumers ordering everything from traditional sweets and gift hampers to decorations, fashion products and precious metals.
Data shared by Zepto and Swiggy Instamart highlights changing shopping habits, as consumers increasingly rely on quick-commerce platforms for both last-minute essentials and planned festive purchases.
Laddu, Kaju Katli Top Sweet Orders
On Zepto, festive hamper orders tripled compared with last Diwali. Laddu emerged as the platform’s most frequently ordered sweet, while soan papdi led in total quantity sold.
Swiggy Instamart recorded a 162% year-on-year increase in party-planning orders. Demand for munchies and snacks rose 42%. Kaju Katli was the most popular mithai on the platform, followed by Motichoor Laddoo and Besan Laddoo.
Diyas, Flowers and Festive Fashion See Growth
Zepto recorded 4.68 lakh diya orders during the Diwali period. Orders for flowers and garlands increased 2.5 times year-on-year, while festive fashion purchases doubled, led by ethnic wear and traditional accessories.
Beauty products also recorded their highest demand on Diwali. The platform said its partnerships with local artisans helped bring traditional and locally crafted products to a wider customer base.
On Instamart, November 8 data showed that the busiest shopping hour was between 11 am and noon, with 11:18 am recording the highest number of orders in a single minute. Diet Coke was the most popular non-grocery item on Diwali eve.
Raipur, Madurai, Guwahati, Thrissur and Kollam emerged as leading cities for festive demand on Instamart.
Gold and Silver Coins Join Quick-Commerce Carts
The festive shopping rush extended to precious metals during Dhanteras. On Instamart, gold coin orders increased 23 times in the week leading up to Dhanteras, while silver coin orders rose seven times.
Floral designs accounted for nearly two-thirds of gold coins purchased, while Lakshmi-Ganesh designs made up 73% of silver coin purchases. Mumbai recorded the biggest festive shopping basket at ₹1.11 lakh, comprising gold coins in Lakshmi-Ganesh and lotus designs.
The trends point to the expanding role of quick-commerce platforms in India’s festive retail market, taking them beyond everyday grocery deliveries into gifting, fashion, home décor and high-value purchases.
