Vehicle Sales Jump 27 Percent During Ten-Day Navratri Festival

Automobile dealers in India sold about 11.23 lakh vehicles during the ten days of Navratri this year, marking a 27 percent increase compared to the same festival period in 2024.

Sales Growth

Data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association shows passenger vehicle sales rose by over 10 percent, while two-wheeler sales grew by more than 32 percent. Electric vehicle sales jumped 26.78 percent, now making up nearly 10.5 percent of total festive sales compared to about 7.7 percent a year ago. Total retail numbers showed a 6.52 percent dip compared to Navratri 2025, but the association noted that last year's festival lasted eleven days instead of ten and coincided with the GST 2.0 roll-out.

Industry Reactions

FADA President Sai Giridhar said affordability is strong and aspiration is rising as the industry enters the Dhanteras-to-Diwali wave. Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tarun Garg reported that the company's registrations grew 30 percent year-over-year to nearly 41,000 units during Shradh and Navratri. Garg added that demand remains healthy in both urban and rural markets, with strong customer interest in the upcoming Hyundai Bayon launch.

Context

Festive periods in India traditionally see a massive surge in retail purchases, particularly for big-ticket items like automobiles, as consumers view festival days as an auspicious time to buy. Industry bodies track these ten-day windows closely to gauge consumer sentiment and overall economic health across urban and rural households.