Get a 100% confirmed ticket for Diwali and Chhath; it is important to keep 5 key details in mind while booking..

Rail ticket bookings have opened for travelers heading home for the Diwali and Chhath festivals. Train reservations typically open exactly 60 days before the date of travel. Consequently, travelers planning trips for Diwali and Chhath are actively booking tickets; while some are successful, others face disappointment. There are only two days left to book tickets for travel immediately preceding Diwali. However, those wishing to travel home for Chhath—which falls after Diwali—still have time. For reference, Diwali falls on November 8, while the Chhath festival begins on November 13, with the first *Arghya* (offering) taking place on November 15.

People are booking tickets online for Diwali and Chhath. Bookings open at 8:00 AM, but due to the high volume of users, a "high server load" pop-up often appears on the screen, making it extremely difficult to secure a ticket. However, by keeping five key points in mind during the booking process, you can increase your chances of securing a 100% confirmed ticket—provided you prepare in advance.

**Add Passenger Details in Advance**
You should add passenger names to the IRCTC website or app beforehand. Since the booking window is very short, you won't have time to enter passenger details during the actual booking process. By adding passenger names in advance, you can select them from the "existing passenger" list, allowing you to complete that step in seconds.

**Have Payment Options Ready**
The payment stage often presents the biggest hurdle during ticket booking. You should avoid payment methods that involve lengthy processes. Relying on standard debit card, credit card, or internet banking options during this rush can cause you to run out of time. Instead, opt for faster payment methods. Wallet payments or UPI (scanning a QR code) are the quickest options. Also, ensure your account has sufficient funds; calculate the fare beforehand and load the exact amount into your account or wallet.

Decide on the train and travel class in advance.
You need to decide which train to book before actually making the reservation. Since every second counts during the booking process, it is best to select the specific train beforehand. You should also decide on the travel class—such as 1st AC, 2AC, 3AC, or Sleeper—in advance; otherwise, you might lose time deliberating while the booking window is open.

Pay attention to the number of available seats.
It is important to consider the seat availability for the specific train and class you are choosing. If the class you intend to book has limited seats, it might be wiser to opt for a class with higher seat availability. For instance, the number of seats in 2AC is generally lower than in 3AC.

Try booking on trains other than the regular ones.
Most people attempt to book tickets on regular trains. However, you might encounter less crowding if you book tickets on weekly or special trains. Alternatively, try booking for a station that is allocated a larger quota of seats.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.