Return Journey Booking Post Chhath and Diwali 2026

Return Dates and When Booking Opens

For travelers looking to book return journeys after Chhath and Diwali in 2026, it's important to understand when the booking window opens. Indian Railways opens general booking 60 days before the journey date, not counting the journey date itself, at 8:00 AM IST. The period was cut from 120 days to 60 days on 1 November 2024, so older advice about booking four months ahead no longer applies.

In 2026 Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November and Bhai Dooj on Tuesday 10 November. Chhath runs from Nahay Khay on Friday 13 November to Usha Arghya on the morning of Monday 16 November, so the return rush starts that afternoon. The table shows when general booking opens for the busiest return dates:

Each date opens at 8:00 AM IST on its own day, so the return-rush dates go on sale one after another between 12 and 21 September. Tatkal for the same journeys opens one day before the journey date. Festival special trains are the exception: they go on sale when Indian Railways notifies them, usually much closer to the festival.

Given the high demand for train tickets during these festivals, booking your return journey as soon as the window opens is essential. This ensures you have a confirmed berth and avoid the hassle of last-minute travel arrangements. Bookings can be done through the IRCTC website or the IRCTC app.

Who Can Book, and the Concessions That Still Exist

Advance booking for return journeys post-Diwali and Chhath is available to all passengers. There are no specific eligibility criteria, but you must have an active IRCTC account to book tickets online. For offline bookings, you can visit any authorized railway station with valid identification.

There is currently no senior citizen fare concession: it was suspended in March 2020 and has not been restored. Senior citizens and women aged 45 and above still get preference for lower berths through the lower berth quota, and Divyangjan concessions continue for eligible passengers with a valid certificate.

If you are traveling in a group, bulk booking options are available but must be arranged well in advance. Group bookings have their own set of rules and may require direct contact with railway officials to ensure all members are accommodated on the same train.

Booking the Return on IRCTC, Step by Step

Booking your return journey after Chhath and Diwali involves a few straightforward steps. First, log in to your IRCTC account or create one if you haven’t already. Ensure your account is verified and active to avoid any disruptions during the booking process.

Once logged in, enter your travel details, including the date, destination, and class of travel. The system will show you available trains and their respective seat availability. Select the train that best suits your schedule and proceed to the payment page.

Complete the payment using any of the available options such as credit/debit card, net banking, or digital wallets. After successful payment, your ticket will be confirmed, and you will receive a digital copy via email. Keep this confirmation handy for future reference.

Opening-Morning Speed, Tatkal Times and Flexi Fares

With the window opening only 60 days ahead, the entire return rush goes on sale within about a week, and the popular trains to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata can show a waiting list within minutes of 8:00 AM. Fares on regular Mail/Express trains do not rise with demand, but flexi-fare trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto get more expensive as seats sell, so opening day is also the cheapest time to book those.

Tatkal booking opens one day before the journey date, counted from the train's originating station: 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes. Tatkal tickets are often more expensive and sell out quickly. To learn more about this scheme, read our Tatkal booking guide.

Mistakes That Cost People a Confirmed Return

One common mistake is assuming that tickets will be available closer to the travel date. During Chhath and Diwali, this assumption often leads to disappointment. Tickets sell out quickly, and waiting too long can leave you with no options or expensive last-minute alternatives.

Another error is not double-checking the travel dates. Given the varying regional calendars for these festivals, failing to confirm the correct date for your region can lead to booking the wrong dates. Always verify festival dates for your specific region before booking.

Many travelers forget to check their IRCTC account for accuracy, leading to issues during the booking process. Ensure all personal information is correct and up-to-date to facilitate a smooth booking experience.

Cancellations, Waitlists and Group Tickets

In some cases, travelers may need to cancel or reschedule their bookings. It's important to understand the refund rules and cancellation policies to avoid unexpected charges. Refunds are generally processed according to the time of cancellation and the class of ticket.

For those who find themselves on the waiting list, there are options to check for cancellations and monitor the PNR status regularly. This can sometimes lead to securing a confirmed seat if other passengers cancel their bookings.

Travelers using concession tickets or traveling in groups must be aware of specific rules that may apply to their tickets. These can include restrictions on travel dates or limitations on transferable tickets. Always read the terms and conditions carefully when booking.

Getting Ready Before 8 AM

To ensure a smooth booking experience, prepare all necessary information in advance. This includes knowing your travel dates, preferred trains, and payment details. Having this information ready can speed up the booking process and improve your chances of securing a ticket.

Consider setting up alerts for when bookings open for your preferred travel dates. This can be done through the IRCTC app or third-party services that notify you of booking windows, helping you stay ahead of the rush.

Finally, be flexible with your travel plans. Sometimes, adjusting your departure or return by a day or two can make a significant difference in availability and cost. Being open to alternative travel dates can often lead to a more successful booking experience.

Difference Between Chhath and Diwali Travel Plans

While both festivals see heavy travel, there are differences in travel patterns between Chhath and Diwali. Diwali tends to have more nationwide travel as families gather from various regions, whereas Chhath often involves more regional travel, particularly in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

This distinction can affect train availability and the speed at which tickets sell out. For Diwali, expect higher demand across all major routes, while Chhath may see concentrated demand in specific areas. Adjust your booking strategy accordingly to handle these differences efficiently.

Understanding these travel patterns can help you plan better and avoid common pitfalls associated with festival travel. Tailor your plans based on expected demand and regional travel trends to ensure a smoother journey.

If No Train Has Seats: Buses, Flights and Shared Cars

In case train tickets are not available, consider alternative travel options such as buses or flights. While flights may be more expensive, they can offer a quicker and more convenient way to reach your destination during the festive rush.

Buses are often more flexible and can cover routes that trains may not. Booking a bus ticket can be a viable alternative, especially for shorter distances or less popular routes. Many private operators offer services during the festive season, increasing your chances of finding an available seat.

Carpooling and ride-sharing services can also be considered, particularly for regions where public transport options are limited. These services often become more popular during the festive season and can provide a cost-effective and convenient travel solution.