India’s retail sector recorded its highest-ever festive season sales this year between Navratri to Diwali, with trade touching an unprecedented 5.4 lakh crore rupees in goods and 65 thousand crore rupees in services. A nationwide survey conducted by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) revealed that the overall turnover rose by 25 percent compared to last year during the same period. The survey further indicated that nearly 72 percent of traders reported higher sales volumes, attributing the growth primarily to the reduction in GST rates. The survey shows that reduction in GST rates across key consumer and retail categories such as confectionery, home decor, footwear, and ready-made garments, consumer durables and daily use items significantly improved price competitiveness and increased purchase momentum.