Patna : The annual Chhath homecoming rush is already creating difficulties for people planning to travel to Bihar, with train tickets showing long waiting lists and Delhi-Patna flight fares crossing Rs 22,000 on some dates in November.
Chhath Puja is one of Bihar’s most important festivals, prompting thousands of people living outside the state for employment, education and business to return home. With demand for travel expected to rise as the festival approaches, securing an affordable and confirmed journey is becoming a concern for many passengers.
This year, Chhath Puja will be observed from November 13 to November 16. The four-day festival will begin with Nahay Khay on November 13, followed by Kharna or Lohanda on November 14. Devotees will perform Sandhya Arghya on November 15, while Usha Arghya and Paran will take place on November 16.
Delhi-Patna Flight Fares Cross Rs 22,000
For passengers unable to secure confirmed railway tickets, air travel remains an alternative. However, fares on the Delhi-Patna route are already high for several dates around Chhath.
According to the fare information cited in the report, Delhi-Patna flight tickets for November 10 are currently priced between Rs 8,500 and Rs 15,800. For November 11, fares range from Rs 8,900 to Rs 22,200, while tickets for November 12 are available from Rs 9,600 to Rs 22,200.
For November 13, the reported fare range is Rs 9,700 to Rs 13,700. On November 14, passengers could have to pay anywhere between Rs 6,700 and Rs 22,200.
The highest fare cited in the report is Rs 22,200. Airfares are dynamic and can change depending on airline, availability, booking time and travel demand.
Train Tickets Also Under Pressure
Rail travel has traditionally been one of the preferred options for people returning to Bihar during Chhath. However, several Bihar-bound trains are already showing long waiting lists, even though the festival is still weeks away.
The situation could become more difficult as the travel period approaches and more passengers begin making their plans. The Railways is expected to operate additional special trains to handle the seasonal rush, but the announcement of a special service does not guarantee that passengers will immediately find confirmed tickets.
Once bookings open, special trains can also see strong demand, particularly on routes connecting Delhi and other major cities with Bihar.
Tatkal Tickets May Not Be Easy
Passengers who fail to secure advance reservations may have to depend on Tatkal bookings, but obtaining confirmed tickets through the last-minute quota can also be challenging during the Chhath rush.
The issue becomes more significant for families travelling over long distances. Passengers travelling with children and elderly family members generally prefer confirmed berths, while heavy festival crowds can make journeys considerably more difficult when confirmed accommodation is unavailable.
Why Chhath Creates A Major Travel Rush
For Bihar’s large migrant population, Chhath is not only a major religious festival but also an important occasion for families to return home and celebrate together. People working or studying in Delhi and other cities often plan their journeys well in advance, creating intense demand for both railway and air services.
This year, the combination of long waiting lists on Bihar-bound trains and Delhi-Patna flight fares of up to Rs 22,200 is making early travel planning particularly important.
As the festival draws closer, demand for confirmed railway seats and reasonably priced flights is expected to remain high. Passengers planning to return to Bihar for Chhath may therefore need to make their travel arrangements well ahead of the festival rather than waiting for last-minute options.
