Varanasi's Historic Diwali Celebration Sparked by GST Cuts

Varanasi celebrated an extraordinary Diwali, fueled by reduced GST on festive items, which spurred shopping and participation. Residents hailed it as the grandest in recent memory, with a significant spike in firecracker sales and widespread enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Ayodhya made history with its grand Deepotsav, highlighting its cultural revival.

Varanasi experienced a Diwali like never before, as local residents embraced the festival with unmatched enthusiasm, thanks in part to the government's strategic reduction of GST on festive items. From sweets to clothes and fireworks, the decreased rates significantly boosted shopping and participation.

Aditya Singh, a local resident, described it as a memorable celebration, highlighting the intense activity from 7 pm to 11 pm with fireworks lighting up the sky. Singh credited the lower GST rates for a 3-4 times increase in firecracker sales compared to previous years. Vijay Singh echoed this sentiment, noting a surge in purchases of clothes and sweets, attributing it to the tax cuts.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 'moderate' air quality index of 118 in Varanasi. Meanwhile, in Ayodhya, the recent Deepotsav set two Guinness World Records, marking its transformation into a global cultural hub. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath linked this success to Ayodhya's resurgence as a divine city, contrasting past neglect with its current prominence.

(With inputs from agencies.)