Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, with over 2 billion Christians observing it annually.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent a record-breaking $21.6 billion on Easter-related purchases in 2019.
The Christian holiday is so big, that Easter chocolate sales account for at LEAST 10% of overall annual chocolate sales in the USA.
What is the history and significance of Easter? How does Easter help the economy, especially in India? These are….the CORE questions.

What is the history and significance of Easter?

It has roots in the Jewish festival of Passover and dates back to the of beginnings of Christianity. Easter is observed around the same time every year since Easter is based on the biblical account that Jesus was crucified during the Passover celebration.
Easter is a time for Christians to commemorate Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is thought to have happened three days after his crucifixion. This occurrence is regarded as the most conclusive evidence of Jesus’ deity and the foundation of the Christian religion.
It’s also a moment to consider the Easter story’s key themes of redemption, forgiveness, and new life.

How does Easter impact the economy?

Easter is a significant holiday that is observed in numerous nations worldwide and has a big impact on the economy.
Americans spent a record $21.6 BILLION USD on Easter-related products in 2019, including apparel, gifts, décor, and food.
The selling of chocolate eggs, greeting cards, and gifts is predicted to increase Easter spending in the UK to reach £1.7 billion in 2023.
Easter is the second-largest shopping season in Germany after Christmas, and it is estimated that each year, Germans spend about €17.6 billion on goods and activities associated with the holiday.

Which industries benefit the most from Easter?

The Easter holiday season benefits the retail sector greatly, as the sale of goods with an Easter theme generates a sizable amount of cash.
The National Confectioners Association estimates that Americans spend more than $2.6 billion on Easter sweets alone each year, including chocolate bunnies and eggs.
In 2023, has been projected that the UK would spend £395 million on Easter candy and chocolate. Other Easter-related things including clothing, decorations, and presents are also a major source of income for the retail sector.
The Easter holiday season is also beneficial for the hospitality sector as many people travel to see family and friends or go on vacation. In the UK, it’s anticipated that 5.6 million people would travel overnight for the Easter holiday in 2023, generating business for the hotel and lodging industries.
Easter is also good for the restaurant and food service sectors, as many businesses provide special menus and specials to draw clients. Due to the high number of domestic and international travel during the Easter weekend, the tourist sector also benefits significantly.
Around 6 MILLION people are expected to travel to France for the Easter weekend, generating business for hotels, airlines, and other tourism-related companies. Easter is a busy travel season in Italy, with lots of people going to Rome and Vatican City to take part in the large-scale religious rituals.
In the US, many families use the Easter break as an opportunity to travel, which might help the tourist sector in well-known places like Florida, California, and Hawaii.

What about the Indian economy?

While Easter has a big economic influence on many nations around the world, it considerably has a much smaller impact on India’s economy. This is because Easter is not a widely observed holiday in India, where Hinduism is practiced by the majority of the population.
Nevertheless, Christians in India, particularly in the states of Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, observe Easter. The retail sector generates income in these states from the sale of Easter-related goods such chocolates, treats, and decorations.
Easter brings about a boom in the hospitality sector as many people travel or pay visits to friends and family. For instance, Goa experiences a spike in tourism during the Easter season as a result of the large number of people that come to the state to take part in festivities.
Some famous tourist destinations in India include the St Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Kerala, the Church of South India which has over 4 million members …..and the Roman Catholic Church in southern states including Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Easter has gained popularity in India in recent years, especially among young people who are exposed to Western culture through social media and other media. Due to this, more Easter-related goods are being sold and more events and activities with an Easter theme are being planned.
Even though Easter has a very minor effect on the Indian economy, businesses can still take use of the event to expand their customer base and product lines. Businesses can leverage this trend as Easter’s popularity grows in India and increase their income throughout the holiday season.