New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) The GST 2.0 reforms, which were implemented on Monday, received an overwhelming response from shopkeepers, auto dealers, and households across India.

Coinciding perfectly with the onset of Navratri, the revamped tax structure provided everyday consumers with a reason to celebrate through lower prices, streamlined tax slabs, and immediate relief on essential goods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described GST 2.0 as "a reform aimed at benefiting the people of India," and it indeed felt less like a mundane policy shift and more like a festive celebration. Car dealerships experienced long queues, online shopping carts were filled to the brim, and festive sales reached record highs.

The automotive industry was particularly notable, achieving historic sales figures. Under the revised GST framework, smaller cars under 4 meters were shifted to the 18% tax slab, while the compensation cess on vehicles was eliminated entirely.

On the inaugural day of GST 2.0, Maruti recorded 80,000 inquiries and delivered 30,000 cars, marking its best single-day performance in 35 years. Bookings for compact cars soared by 50% compared to typical festival season levels.

Hyundai's dealer billings also surged, reaching 11,000 on that day, representing its strongest performance in five years. Tata Motors recorded 10,000 car deliveries and over 25,000 inquiries on the first day of Navratri, indicating a robust start to the festive season, with a marked increase in showroom visits, successful conversions, and a growing order backlog.

For many families, GST 2.0 turned long-held aspirations into reality. Automobiles became not just more affordable, but a genuine festive purchase.

The excitement spilled over into the digital shopping arena, where consumers hurried to purchase fashion items, home necessities, and festive essentials.

Both Flipkart and Amazon launched their festive sale events on Monday, catering to loyal customers, with sellers and brands experiencing strong early engagement thanks to the GST reductions.

The fashion label “The Pant Project” observed a 15-20% increase over last year, while Shadow Etail, a seller on both platforms, witnessed a remarkable 151% surge in traffic within the home essentials category compared to the previous week.

Fashion brands such as Snitch reported a 40% increase in online orders.

The electronics sector also thrived under GST 2.0, as consumers capitalized on lower prices for high-demand items. Prices for split air conditioners fell by Rs 3,000-5,000, while high-end televisions saw reductions of up to Rs 85,000.

Companies like Haier reported nearly double the sales compared to a typical Monday, with many pre-orders placed even before the new rates took effect.

Blue Star estimated that sales on Day 1 of GST 2.0 were approximately 20% higher than the same day last year.

Television sales, especially in the 43-inch and 55-inch categories, also rose sharply. Companies like Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd, primarily selling through Flipkart, reported a 30-35% growth in sales.

GST 2.0 provided immediate relief and sparked consumer excitement from Day One. It reduced household spending, revitalized demand across various industries, and ignited the festive season with record-breaking sales across sectors, including automobiles, electronics, groceries, and fashion.

This was more than just a tax reform; it was a celebration of savings, a catalyst for demand, and a genuine Diwali gift from PM Modi to the citizens of India.