Chhath Puja Surge: Northern Railway Runs Special Trains
Northern Railway operates massive special train services to handle the Chhath Puja passenger surge heading to Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand.
As the nation prepares for the sacred four-day Chhath Puja festival, railway stations are bracing for an unprecedented influx of passengers. To accommodate the massive surge of devotees traveling toward Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, the Northern Railway has significantly ramped up its services with a series of special trains.
Massive Deployment of Special Trains
To manage the heavy footfall, authorities have been deploying special services in phases. Following the deployment of 27 special trains on Tuesday, November 10, the Northern Railway has scheduled an additional 31 special trains to operate on November 11.
These special services will depart from several major stations in Delhi, including:
- New Delhi
- Anand Vihar Terminal
- Old Delhi
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Shakur Basti
To prevent overcrowding and ensure passenger safety, railway authorities have implemented dedicated holding areas at various stations. Passengers are strongly advised to verify their current train schedules and statuses before beginning their journey to avoid inconvenience.
Chhath Puja 2026: The Four-Day Ritual Schedule
The festival involves rigorous rituals scheduled from Friday, November 13, to Monday, November 16, 2026. The traditional sequence of the festivities is as follows:
- November 13: Nahay Khay
- November 14: Kharna
- November 15: Sandhya Arghya (The main evening offerings)
- November 16: Usha Arghya and Parana (The concluding morning rituals)
Ghat Preparations and Devotee Guidelines
Preparations are in full swing at major ceremonial sites across the country, including the Yamuna ghats in Delhi and Juhu Beach in Mumbai. Local civic bodies and community organizations, such as the Chhath Utsav Mahasangh in Mumbai, are overseeing essential services including sanitation, water supply, and crowd management.
To maintain the sanctity of the rituals and ensure public safety, officials have issued the following guidelines for devotees:
- Water Cleanliness: To keep the ritual water clean, the use of soap, shampoo, or oil is strictly prohibited.
- Designated Zones: Devotees must strictly adhere to the designated zones marked for making offerings.
- Safety Compliance: It is vital to follow all instructions provided by local volunteers and keep transit routes clear for others.
Important Health Advisory: Because the festival involves a rigorous 36-hour nirjala fast (fasting without water), individuals with pre-existing health concerns or those who are currently on medication are advised to consult a clinician before observing the rituals.