A stark divergence has emerged between Surat’s two foundational industrial pillars this festival season. While local diamond cutting and polishing units are returning early to fulfill international jewellery orders, South Gujarat’s massive synthetic textile manufacturing complex is entering a significantly extended Diwali vacation, with mills remaining dark well beyond the traditional Labh Pancham milestone.
400+ Dyeing and Printing Mills Shut Until 20 November
Jitendra (Jitubhai) Vakharia, president of the Southern Gujarat Textile Processors’ Association (SGTPA), announced on 6 November 2026 that operations across Surat’s 400-odd dyeing and printing mills will shut completely and will not reopen until Friday, 20 November 2026. Processors attribute the protracted holiday to steep imported coal prices (which surged from ₹6,000 to ₹9,500 per tonne earlier this year), elevated power tariffs, and tepid wholesale fabric off-take that has squeezed processing viability.
40% Production Drop & Weaving Looms Silence Early
According to Kamal Tulsian, president of the Pandesara Industrial Association, textile manufacturing across Pandesara GIDC, Sachin GIDC, and Katargam experienced an estimated 40% drop in production during the pre-Diwali run-up. Industry leaders confirm that over 60% of Surat’s 4.5 lakh powerlooms had powered down ahead of schedule by 4 November due to supply chain friction, earlier embroidery labor strikes, and an exodus of migrant workers returning to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Weavers report that while retail buying was steady in small counter pockets, bulk parcel bookings from major consuming states fell short of historical festive volumes. Loom operators opted to extend holidays rather than accumulate unsold grey cloth at elevated synthetic yarn rates.
Contrast With Diamond Industry Rebound
The contrast across Surat’s economy is palpable. While gems and jewellery exporters report robust global and domestic retail demand—prompting diamond cutting units to operate shorter breaks—textile trade bodies on Ring Road have advised members to use the extended window to balance account books, conduct maintenance overhauls, and prepare for winter wedding sample bookings once mills restart in late November.