September 22, 2025, marks a day of unique confluence in India, bringing together economic reform, cultural celebrations, and astronomical significance. The nation is poised to experience the combined positive energies of the rollout of the simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST), the commencement of Sharadotsav, and the occurrence of the autumnal equinox.
The Modi government's sweeping GST rate cuts and slab changes take effect on September 22, 2025. The reform replaces the earlier four-slab system and is aimed at simplifying compliance while reducing costs for consumers. Essential goods will now be taxed at just 5%, while most other products and services fall under the 18% slab. A special 40% GST will now apply to luxury and harmful products such as alcohol, tobacco, betting and online gaming. Almost all personal-use items will see rate cuts as the government looks to boost domestic spending and cushion the economic blow of the US tariffs. The government expects the GST reforms will infuse ₹2 lakh crore into the economy, leaving people with more cash in hand that otherwise would have gone as taxes.
Concurrently, the country welcomes Sharadotsav, also known as Durga Puja or Durgotsav, a yearly Hindu festival devoted to Goddess Durga. This multi-day festival, especially famous in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and Assam, typically falls in September or October. The celebrations include stage and temple decorations, arts, and processions, signifying the triumph of good over evil as Goddess Durga battles the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This year, the 97th Sharadotsav celebrations in Indore will feature a grand replica of Jaipur's Hawa Mahal to welcome devotees. The festivities include Bengali sweets and savories, cultural performances, and traditional rituals like Durga aarti and Sindoor Khela. Shardiya Navratri, the most significant Navratri, commences with Ghatasthapana or the Shailputri Puja on September 22, culminating on October 2 with Vijayadashami or Durga Visarjan.
Adding to the day's significance, the autumnal equinox occurs on September 22, marking the astronomical beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. At this time, day and night are nearly equal in length worldwide. The sun crosses the celestial equator heading south at 2:19 p.m. EDT. The autumnal equinox is often connected with harvest festivals. This year, the equinox may also create opportunities for viewing the aurora borealis, with a G1-rated geomagnetic storm forecasted that could make the Northern Lights visible in several U.S. states. The Earth's side-on alignment with the sun during the equinox creates better alignment between Earth's magnetic field and the solar wind, potentially leading to more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms.
