Why Surat diamond cutters will have short Diwali break, textile workers long

The Indian Express · Kamal Saiyed · 2026-11-06 00:55 UTC

Length of their annual Diwali breaks tells the tale of Surat’s two big industries. Diamond workers are coming back to work sooner because there are orders to supply. Textiles are still struggling, so the trade is taking a longer break.

Diamond cutters and polishers in Surat will have a shorter-than-usual Diwali break this year. But those engaged in the city’s other mega trade, textiles, will stay away from work for longer than usual.

Blame the up and down in the two industries on the vicissitudes of two global wars and President Donald Trump’s tariffs policy. The time for which their workers will be away can be seen as a proxy for how well – or badly – Surat’s diamonds and textiles trades are doing currently.

On November 5, the day before Dhanteras, manufacturing units in the historic Hira Bazaar, through which more than 90% of the world’s uncut diamonds pass, went on vacation for 15 days.

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