A quirky promotion is running in Nepal this festive season: buy your groceries and you could drive home in an electric car. Sipradi Motors, which distributes Tata Motors vehicles in Nepal, has teamed up with Bhat Bhateni Supermarket, one of the country's biggest retail chains, on a joint festive campaign.
The mechanics are simple. Anyone who spends at least Rs2,500 at any Bhat Bhateni branch can enter a lucky draw for a Tata Punch.ev, the compact electric SUV that has become one of the most visible EVs on Nepali roads. Shoppers who pay using Nepalpay QR are also entered into the draw. Two winners will be selected when the promotion wraps up.
It's the kind of crossover promotion that only really makes sense in Nepal's current market. Electric vehicles have taken off sharply there, helped by favourable tax treatment compared to petrol and diesel cars, and Indian brands like Tata have leaned into the shift. Pairing an EV giveaway with a supermarket chain puts the car in front of exactly the mass-market, everyday shoppers these campaigns target — not just the usual auto-show crowd.
For visitors, the story is a small window into how Nepal shops and celebrates. Bhat Bhateni is a household name with dozens of branches, and the festive season — which runs through Dashain and Tihar in October and November — is when retailers pull out their biggest offers. Timing a trip to Kathmandu during the festivals means decorated streets, family gatherings and plenty of promotional buzz, even if your own shopping bill won't qualify you for a new car (the deal is aimed at local customers, and check the fine print if you're tempted to try).
Why should a traveller care? Partly as context, partly as practical knowledge. Nepal's EV boom is changing what you'll see on the road — quiet, charge-plugged Punch.ev taxis are increasingly common in Kathmandu — and understanding the retail scene helps anyone staying self-catered or buying supplies before treks. Bhat Bhateni stores are reliable spots to stock up on snacks, water and gear before heading to Pokhara or a trailhead, and festive-season discounts can make that cheaper.
The promotion itself is a local affair with local terms and conditions, so it's the wider signal that matters more: Nepal's consumer market is growing confident, electric mobility is going mainstream, and the festive season remains the country's big commercial moment. If you're in Kathmandu around Dashain or Tihar, expect crowds at the supermarkets and a generally lively retail atmosphere — plus, this year, a couple of shoppers driving home very happy.
