Chhath Puja is the single most expensive time to fly to Bihar. Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Patna can cost Rs. 20,000-30,000+ when they normally cost Rs. 4,000-5,000. If you're a Bihari planning to go home for Chhath, here's how to save big.
When Is Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja 2026 falls on Friday-Saturday, November 6-7, 2026. The peak travel rush starts November 2-3 (outbound to Bihar) and return peaks November 8-10.
Why Chhath Flights Are So Expensive
- Concentrated demand: Millions of Biharis working in metro cities need to return home in a narrow 3-5 day window
- Limited supply: Patna airport has limited slots — only so many flights can operate
- No alternatives: Unlike Diwali (spread across India), Chhath demand is specifically Bihar/Jharkhand bound
- Train rush: Trains are fully booked months in advance, pushing more people to flights
Fare Spike Analysis
How to Save on Chhath Flights
1. Book NOW
The absolute best strategy is booking 8-12 weeks before Chhath. If you're reading this before September, book immediately. Prices only go up from here.
2. Alternate Airport Strategy
- Fly to Varanasi (VNS): Often Rs. 5,000-8,000 cheaper than Patna. Take a 3-hour train to home.
- Fly to Ranchi (IXR): If your home is in south Bihar or Jharkhand, Ranchi can be cheaper.
- Fly to Gaya (GAY): Less frequent flights but can be significantly cheaper.
- Fly to Lucknow (LKO): Connect via overnight train — saves Rs. 10,000+ sometimes.
3. Travel on Off-Peak Days
- Travel 4-5 days before Chhath instead of 1-2 days before
- Return 3-4 days after instead of immediately
- Take leave early — the extra holiday days save you thousands on flights
4. Consider Connecting Flights
- Mumbai → Delhi → Patna can sometimes be cheaper than Mumbai → Patna direct
- Bangalore → Kolkata → Patna is another option worth checking
5. Group Booking
If traveling with family (4+ people), check group fares through TheBookFlight. Airlines sometimes offer better rates for groups.
Airlines Adding Chhath Special Flights
Airlines typically announce additional flights on Patna routes 4-6 weeks before Chhath:
- IndiGo: Usually adds 5-10 extra flights to Patna from Delhi, Mumbai
- SpiceJet: Adds extra capacity on Bihar routes
- Air India: Additional wide-body aircraft on Delhi-Patna
Watch for these announcements — new flights often have lower initial fares.