Varanasi: Will Diwali Sales Reach New Heights as GST Cuts Boost Vehicle Purchases?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- GST cuts have resulted in record vehicle sales in Varanasi.
- This festive season is attracting significant consumer interest.
- Diwali celebrations symbolize the victory of good over evil.
- Local traders are experiencing an increase in footfall.
- The revamped GST structure aims to boost the economy.
Varanasi, Oct 15 (NationPress) As the festive season of Diwali approaches, markets throughout the nation are alive with excitement. The recent cuts in GST rates have significantly contributed to the festive spirit, resulting in an unprecedented surge in sales of both two-wheelers and four-wheelers in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The local marketplaces in Varanasi are bustling with shoppers, and showroom managers report that this season stands out from all previous ones.
"It feels like the Mahakumbh of buyers," remarked Prabhakar, a car sales manager in the area.
“Following the GST reduction, we anticipated a surge, and that’s precisely what is happening. Customers are thrilled, and bookings are flooding in,” he shared with IANS.
Ravinder, a local resident who recently bought a new car, expressed his joy, saying, "I’m delighted that we are able to purchase vehicles at lower prices. It’s a Diwali bonus for many families.”
The uplift in consumer sentiment follows the introduction of GST 2.0 on September 22, a significant tax reform unveiled by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. This revamped system simplifies India’s convoluted indirect tax framework, reducing four tax slabs to only two: 5 percent and 18 percent. This adjustment has made various goods and services, including vehicles, more budget-friendly.
The new GST framework is designed to enhance affordability, stimulate consumption, and expand the tax base. By lowering costs and promoting compliance, it supports the manufacturing sector while alleviating the financial strain on households. Importantly, exemptions in healthcare and insurance under the revised GST provide additional security to families.
Traders across Varanasi are witnessing an unexpected influx of customers and early Diwali purchases, with many labeling this as one of the most vibrant festive seasons in recent memory.
Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Homes are adorned with earthen lamps (diyas), rangoli, and lights. Devotees engage in Lakshmi and Ganesh Puja during the evening. This year, Diwali is celebrated on October 20.