Flipkart's quick-commerce platform, Flipkart Minutes, recorded a significant surge in festive demand during the Makar Sankranti period, highlighting a growing preference for last-minute, need-based shopping among Indian consumers. The spike was observed between January 12 and January 14, 2026, as customers increasingly relied on rapid deliveries to complete their festival preparations.
According to data shared by the platform, festive essentials dominated order volumes, with rice emerging as the single most-delivered item during the period. Other high-demand products included sugar, pulses, spices, havan items, and kites—reflecting the traditional requirements associated with Sankranti celebrations across regions. Pooja-related products such as camphor and agarbatti saw over 35 percent growth, indicating heightened focus on timely religious rituals.
One of the most frequently ordered combinations during the festival window was rice, ghee, and jaggery, staples closely linked to Sankranti dishes and offerings. Sweets and seasonal treats also featured prominently, with laddus, chikki, and other traditional items witnessing strong demand.
Bengaluru emerged as the leading city for last-minute Sankranti orders on Flipkart Minutes. The platform saw peak activity during the 9 AM morning rush, as well as the 7 PM to 8 PM evening window, suggesting that customers leaned on quick commerce both before beginning their day and after work hours to complete festival shopping.
Consumer insights from the period also point to a generational shift in shopping behaviour. Gen Z and younger millennials aged between 25 and 34 accounted for the highest engagement on the platform. Their carts reflected a blend of tradition and convenience, with items such as ghee, jaggery, moong dal, sesame seeds, kites, flowers, and havan essentials being frequently ordered.
The festive spike underscores how quick commerce is becoming an integral part of India's festival economy, especially for urban consumers balancing work schedules and cultural commitments. With shopping becoming increasingly intentional and time-sensitive, platforms like Flipkart Minutes are positioning themselves as reliable enablers of last-mile festive readiness.
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