India’s consumer economy recorded its strongest Navratri sales in more than a decade, with automobile and electronics companies reporting sharp double-digit growth.
Festive buying surged across categories, from cars and two-wheelers to large-screen televisions and smartphones, turning Navratri into one of the most profitable sales periods in recent years.
Industry executives attributed the buoyant demand to the Modi government’s NextGen GST reforms, which lowered tax rates, reduced prices, and expanded access to aspirational goods.
According to the data, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd led the charge, posting its best Navratri performance in at least 10 years. Sales doubled year-on-year, with the company securing 150,000 bookings so far and expecting to touch 200,000. It delivered 1.65 lakh vehicles in the first eight days, including a record 30,000 cars on the first day alone, the highest single-day tally in the company’s 35-year history.
Rival Mahindra & Mahindra saw retail sales climb 60% year-on-year, driven by SUVs such as the XUV700 and Scorpio N. Hyundai Motor India reported that demand for the Creta and Venue pushed SUVs’ share of its sales to over 72%.
Two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp said showroom footfalls doubled this Navratri, with commuter models seeing high traction. Tata Motors retailed more than 50,000 vehicles during the festive week, powered by demand for the Altroz, Punch, Nexon and Tiago. Bajaj Auto also reported strong sales momentum.
The consumer electronics market mirrored the auto sector’s festive highs. Haier India reported an 85% jump in sales, nearly exhausting its Diwali stock of premium 85-inch and 100-inch televisions priced above Rs 2.5 lakh. The company sold 300–350 units of 65-inch TVs daily during Navratri.
Reliance Retail, India’s largest retailer, posted 20–25% growth led by large-screen TVs, smartphones and fashion. Vijay Sales also reported over 20% growth, while LG Electronics India and Godrej Appliances said they witnessed strong double-digit expansion.
According to analysts, rationalisation of GST slabs and easing of tax burdens on both essential and aspirational items have unlocked consumer confidence, boosting discretionary spending. Overall, retailers and manufacturers reported sales growth ranging from 25% to 100% compared to last year.
The first half of the festive season, covering Onam, Durga Puja, and Dussehra, accounts for 40–45% of total festive sales, making it the largest consumption period in the country. This year’s record-breaking Navratri performance signals robust momentum heading into Diwali.