India’s Diwali boom: How the GST cut sent shoppers on a spree | GST reforms | GST 2.0

India just saw its biggest festive shopping season in years — powered by a sweeping tax cut. From cars and gold to kitchen appliances, consumer spending during the Navratri-to-Diwali window hit ₹6 trillion — up 8.5% from last year, according to retail tracker Bizom. The Modi government’s GST cut on nearly 400 items turned the festival month into an economic celebration — even as India faces a 50% import levy from the US. Automakers like Maruti, Tata, and Mahindra reported record sales, while banks and consumer goods firms cashed in on the festive surge.