Amazon Great Indian Festival & Flipkart Big Billion Days: Prices Drop After GST Cut, Check Dates & Deals
Amazon, Flipkart Festive Sales to Begin September 23, Just After GST Reset
Amazon and Flipkart will launch their flagship festive sales on September 23, a day after India’s new GST reforms take effect. Flipkart’s Big Billion Days (BBD) and Amazon’s Great Indian Festival (GIF) banners confirming the dates have already gone live on their apps. Early access will open on September 22 for Flipkart Plus and Black members, as well as Amazon Prime subscribers.
The GST Council recently simplified the indirect tax system by scrapping the 12% and 28% slabs, leaving only 5% and 18%. From September 22, GST on high-value appliances like TVs, air-conditioners, dishwashers, projectors, monitors, and set-top boxes will drop from 28% to 18%. The rate cuts are expected to make big-ticket items more affordable, fueling higher festive spending.
Both e-commerce giants welcomed the changes, saying the reforms bring clarity for sellers and marketplaces. Analysts note that many customers had delayed large purchases in August, waiting for the GST reset. With lower rates now in effect, demand is expected to rise sharply in premium categories.
A Datum Intelligence report estimates festive sales this year could touch Rs 1.2 lakh crore, a 27% jump from last year’s Rs 1 lakh crore. Without GST clarity, growth was earlier expected to stay limited at 5–7%.
Amazon and Flipkart are likely to intensify marketing, bank tie-ups, and discount campaigns to capture pent-up demand. The timing also keeps them competitive with offline retailers, who will roll out offers once the new GST rates apply.
With the reforms and sales aligned, both platforms are positioned for a strong start to what is expected to be the busiest shopping season of the year.
