Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 21 (ANI): Varanasi witnessed unprecedented festive fervour this Diwali, as residents celebrated in full swing, aided by the government’s GST reduction on festive items. From sweets and clothes to fireworks, the lower rates encouraged greater participation and shopping by the people.
Residents described this year’s Diwali as one of the grandest in recent memory. “This year’s Diwali was truly wonderful, everyone, from children to the elderly, took part in the celebrations. From 7 pm till 11 pm, there were fireworks everywhere,” said Aditya Singh, a local resident to ANI. 
Singh further credited the government’s move for reducing GST rates. “Since the government reduced the price of firecrackers by reducing GST rates this year, I believe sales of firecrackers will have increased 3-4 times. I’ve been living in this society for ten years, and never before have I seen so many fireworks as I did this time,” he said.
Another resident, Vijay Singh, also credited the government’s move to reduce GST for the surge in festive shopping and celebrations. “Because of the GST rates reduction, people bought more clothes, sweets, and decorative items. The enthusiasm was at an all-time high, and our society broke all previous records for fireworks,” he said.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality of Varansi today is “moderate” with an index value “118”.
Earlier, in his Diwali address, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted Ayodhya’s remarkable transformation from a city once humiliated and politically neglected to a vibrant, globally recognized centre of faith and culture following the recent Deepotsav celebrations.
Addressing a gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “I extend heartfelt Diwali greetings to all of you and the entire residents of the state… Yesterday, you must have seen the Deepotsav program in Ayodhya… The Ayodhya that witnessed the Deepotsav yesterday is the same Ayodhya that was humiliated by foreign invaders. It is the same Ayodhya where the Congress governments made petty attempts to deny the existence of Lord Ram.”
“In this very Ayodhya, the Samajwadi Party had left the entire Ayodhya deprived of its identity by brutally attacking Ram devotees and hatching all kinds of conspiracies. Today, that same Ayodhya is attracting the world towards itself in the form of a grand and divine city,” he added.
Ayodhya’s grand Deepotsav celebration created two Guinness World Records by lighting over 26 lakh oil lamps and hosting the largest-ever Saryu Aarti. (ANI)
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