As Diwali and Chhath Puja approach, thousands of people living away from their hometowns are preparing to travel home to celebrate with their families. However, soaring airfares are making the annual journey increasingly expensive, prompting frustration among travellers who feel that visiting their families during the festive season has become a financial burden.
The issue gained attention on social media after content creator Aashii Singh shared a video questioning the high cost of flights between Delhi and Patna. According to the fare screenshot featured in her video, direct flights were priced at approximately ₹18,000–₹20,000 for a one-way journey.
Singh also urged the Union Civil Aviation Minister to address the issue, arguing that travelling home during an important festival should not become prohibitively expensive.
Delhi–Patna Flights Cost Nearly ₹20,000
In her video, Singh compared current ticket prices with what she remembered paying in previous years. She said that fares which once cost around ₹3,000–₹4,000, and sometimes ₹5,000, now appear far beyond the budget of many ordinary travellers during the festive rush.
The prices highlighted in her video have sparked discussion about the affordability of domestic air travel during peak demand periods.
For an individual earning a modest monthly salary, spending ₹20,000 on a one-way flight can represent a substantial expense. The cost becomes even higher for families travelling together.
For example, four family members paying ₹20,000 each would spend approximately ₹80,000 on a single journey, excluding local transport and other travel expenses.
Actual fares can vary depending on the travel date, airline, availability, booking time and ticket conditions.
Why Chhath Puja Travel Is So Important
Chhath Puja holds deep cultural and religious significance, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, the festival involves fasting, prayers and offerings to the setting and rising sun.
For millions of people who move to cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad for education and employment, returning home is an important part of the celebration.
The journey is not simply about taking a holiday. It gives people an opportunity to participate in family rituals, meet their parents and relatives, and pass traditions on to younger generations.
This concentration of travel demand within a limited period can put pressure on transport services, particularly routes connecting major employment centres with Bihar.
Overcrowded Trains Add to Travellers’ Problems
Air travel is not the only concern. Trains on popular routes to Bihar also experience heavy demand around Chhath Puja, making confirmed reservations difficult to obtain for some passengers.
When train tickets are unavailable and flight fares rise sharply, travellers may have to choose between spending more than they can comfortably afford and missing an important family occasion.
For migrant workers, students and salaried employees, these decisions can create additional financial pressure at a time when household expenses are already increasing ahead of the festivals.
Social Media Debate Over Festive Airfares
Singh’s video has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by people who want to return home during major Indian festivals.
The discussion raises questions about airfare affordability, seasonal demand and the availability of alternative transport options. While airlines may adjust fares according to demand and seat availability, passengers are increasingly concerned about the cost of travelling during periods when dates are difficult to change.
For many families, Chhath Puja is an occasion they plan around months in advance. The expectation is simple: to return home, take part in the rituals and spend time with loved ones.
As the festive travel rush approaches, the debate over expensive air tickets highlights a broader concern about whether travelling home for important cultural occasions is becoming financially out of reach for ordinary households.