UPI Transactions Rise 32% on Diwali as Festival Shopping Drives Digital Payments

UPI transactions witnessed a significant increase during Diwali 2026, with the volume of transactions rising by 32% compared with the same day last year. The increase was attributed to higher digital payments during the festival shopping season.

According to data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI transaction volume increased from 69.57 crore transactions on the same day last year to 91.69 crore transactions on November 8, 2026.

The day before Diwali also recorded a high level of digital payment activity. UPI transactions reached 97.58 crore, involving transactions worth around ₹1,36,118 crore.

UPI Transactions Increase During Festival Season

The rise in UPI usage reflects the growing dependence on digital payments for purchases during the festive season. Consumers increasingly use UPI for payments at shops, businesses and other establishments, making it one of India`s major digital payment methods.

In October, UPI transactions reached 31.53 lakh crore in value, supported by increased spending during the festival period.

UPI Records Strong Growth Over the Years

UPI was launched in August 2016 and has significantly transformed India`s digital payments ecosystem. The value of UPI transactions increased from ₹0.07 lakh crore in the financial year 2016–17 to around ₹314 lakh crore in 2025–26.

This represents more than a 4,000-fold increase in transaction value over the past decade, highlighting the rapid expansion of digital payments in India.