As talk of power shortages spread across Gujarat this week, word went around Surat that the city's textile markets would have to cut back their Diwali lighting. The Federation of Surat Trade & Textile Associations (FOSTTA) has now clarified that no such rule has been decided.
What FOSTTA said
FOSTTA chairman Kailash Hakim said, according to a report published on 21 October 2026:
- No compulsory reduction in Diwali lighting has been decided for textile markets.
- There is no single rule for all markets. Each market's management will decide how much lighting to put up.
- The government has appealed to people to save power, and FOSTTA has no objection if markets choose to reduce lighting on their own.
No government order on market lighting has been reported.
Why it came up
Gujarat is facing one of its tightest power situations in years. Demand reached a record 29,822 MW on 16 October, and power companies have started weekly eight-hour cuts for industrial feeders, from 4 pm to midnight in South Gujarat. The state government has asked consumers to avoid heavy use between 5 pm and 11 pm, which is exactly when market lighting is switched on. Read our report on the industrial power cuts.
Trade still slow before Diwali
The same report describes a cautious market. Higher prices of crude oil, chemicals and yarn are weighing on the trade, buyers are purchasing only what they need, and outstation markets are taking limited stock. Traders are now hoping that the wedding season after Diwali will bring better business. Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, and Surat's textile markets are open on Sundays until then.