Five low-cost businesses to start under Rs 50,000 for Navratri and Diwali, none needing a licence
With Navratri, Dussehra, Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras and Diwali lined up, five small businesses have been listed for those with limited budgets.
Festivals are celebrated with great fervour in India. A string of festivals has followed the start of Shravan. Even as the Ganeshotsav celebrations have just ended, Navratri, Dussehra, Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras and Diwali are coming one after another. This is considered the most profitable time of the year for small traders, as demand for many small items rises in the market. Five businesses have been listed for those with a small budget who want to start without much fuss.
The first is puja material and festival kits. Demand for puja items rises sharply during Navratri and Diwali. Incense sticks, camphor, ghee lamps, cotton wicks, chunri, coconuts, kalash, roli, mauli and puja thalis can be sold as kits. The business can be started with an estimated investment of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000. Sales can be made in local markets, at colony gates, around temples and online. These items fetch a good profit during the festival season.
The second is dry fruits and gift packing. Dry fruits and gift hampers are in great demand at Diwali. Almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins and figs can be bought from the wholesale market and sold in attractive packaging. With good packing and branding, a profit of 15 to 30 per cent can be made on each box. The business can be started with Rs 50,000. Corporate gifting and residential societies can be the main customers.
The third is decoration and lighting goods. Demand rises during Navratri and Diwali for LED lights, rangoli stickers, artificial flowers, wall decor and fairy lights to decorate homes, shops and offices. The stock can be bought from wholesale markets in Delhi, Jaipur and Surat or from local wholesale markets and then sold. The business can be started with Rs 30,000 to Rs 1 lakh. As festival demand rises, sales see a big jump.
The fourth is home-made namkeen, sweets and snacks. People buy sweets and namkeen in large quantities during festivals. Those with cooking experience can make and sell namkeen, chivda, mathri, laddoos, shakarpara or other snacks from home. This low-cost business can bring a good profit. Orders can be taken through social media, WhatsApp groups and local delivery networks. However, anyone working on a large scale must follow FSSAI rules.
The fifth is clay lamps and eco-friendly items. In the past few years, demand for clay lamps, cow-dung lamps, natural rangoli, organic decor items and handmade goods has been rising during festivals. These can be bought from potters or self-help groups and sold in cities and on online platforms. This gives village producers a market and a chance to earn a good profit. Many items can fetch a profit of 15 to 40 per cent during the festival season. Stocking up before the festival, attractive packaging and digital promotion can help raise sales.
A few points should be kept in mind. Demand changes quickly during festivals, so avoid buying large quantities of stock without testing the market first. When selling food items, ensure quality and compliance with rules. Facilities such as digital payment and home delivery can attract customers. Offering a free extra item with good packaging is likely to boost sales.
