India Achieves Record-Breaking Navratri Sales Following GST Reforms: Automotive and Electronics Sectors Lead Consumer Boom

At Hyundai, the strong demand for models like the Creta and Venue has elevated SUVs to represent over 72 percent of their overall sales volume.

India's consumer economy has witnessed its most robust Navratri sales performance in more than a decade. This remarkable surge can be attributed to the NextGen GST reforms implemented by the Modi government, which effectively reduced tax rates and enhanced product accessibility across markets. These strategic measures resulted in lower retail prices and unleashed significant consumer spending power, encouraging vehicle upgrades, increased investments in home appliances, and greater expenditure on lifestyle products.

Across various sectors, brands and retailers reported exceptional sales growth during this period, with increases typically ranging between 25 percent and 100 percent. The first half of the festive season, encompassing Onam, Durga Puja, and Dussehra celebrations, constitutes India's most significant consumption period, representing approximately 40-45 percent of total festive sales revenue.

The automobile sector emerged as a key driver of this economic surge. Maruti Suzuki achieved extraordinary results, with Navratri sales doubling compared to the previous year, marking its strongest performance in at least a decade. The company successfully delivered an impressive 1.65 lakh vehicles during just the first eight days of Navratri. On the inaugural day alone, Maruti delivered a record-breaking 30,000 cars, representing its best single-day performance in 35 years. The automotive giant reported 1,50,000 bookings and projects reaching 2,00,000 bookings, substantially higher than the 85,000 vehicles retailed during last year's Navratri.

Mahindra & Mahindra recorded a substantial 60 percent year-on-year increase in retail sales for its popular SUV lineup, including the XUV700 and Scorpio N models.

Tata Motors successfully retailed over 50,000 vehicles, driven primarily by strong demand for models such as the Altroz, Punch, Nexon, and Tiago.

At Hyundai, increasing demand for the Creta and Venue models pushed the SUV segment to represent more than 72 percent of their total sales volume.

Two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp experienced doubled showroom footfall during this Navratri period, with particularly strong traction observed in the commuter segment.

Bajaj Auto similarly reported robust sales figures throughout this festive period.

The consumer electronics sector also experienced significant growth, with high double-digit sales increases compared to the previous year. Haier reported an extraordinary 85 percent surge in sales.

The company nearly exhausted its entire Diwali inventory of premium 85-inch and 100-inch televisions, priced above Rs 2.5 lakh, while consistently selling between 300-350 units of 65-inch TVs daily.

Sales at Reliance Retail, India's largest retailer, grew by 20-25 percent compared to last year's Navratri period, with sales momentum primarily driven by large-screen televisions, smartphones, and fashion items.

Electronics retail chain Vijay Sales experienced sales growth exceeding 20 percent. LG Electronics India also reported "exponential growth" in their sales during this Navratri season.

The strategic rationalization of GST slabs and the reduction of tax burdens on both essential and aspirational consumer items have collectively fostered an environment of confident spending across the Indian market.