Indian Railways: Tips to Get Confirmed Train Tickets During Diwali and Chhath Festival Rush
As the festive season approaches in India, millions of passengers rush to book train tickets to return home and celebrate with their families. Festivals like Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja witness one of the heaviest travel seasons of the year, making confirmed tickets almost impossible to secure.
Over the past year, the Indian Railways reduced the advance booking period from 120 days to 60 days, adding to the challenge for passengers. With ticket demand soaring during festivals, most seats are sold out within minutes of the booking window opening. For travelers hoping to get a confirmed seat, knowing the right booking strategy is crucial.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind while booking train tickets during the upcoming festive season.
Advance Booking Rule: 60 Days Before Travel
As per the new rules implemented from November 1, 2024, passengers can book tickets up to 60 days in advance, excluding the day of travel.
For example, if you are planning to travel on October 19, 2025, you can start booking from August 20, 2025. In the case of trains that start their journey on the previous day but cross your boarding station the next day, reservations open 61 days in advance.
For some intercity day express trains, the advance reservation period may be even shorter, so travelers should check the booking schedule carefully.
Why It Gets So Difficult During Festivals
The demand during major festivals is extraordinarily high, with most tickets sold out within minutes of booking opening. Despite trying on the IRCTC website or at physical booking counters, many passengers fail to secure tickets.
The last option left is usually the Tatkal Scheme, which opens a day before the journey. However, Tatkal tickets are costlier, extremely competitive, and very difficult to obtain due to high demand.
Smart Tips to Book Confirmed Tickets
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Book the moment reservations open – The safest way to secure a confirmed ticket is to book the very minute the booking window opens at 8 AM on the IRCTC website.
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Prepare in advance – Log in to your IRCTC account beforehand, save your preferred journey details, and keep your payment option ready to avoid delays. Even a few seconds can make a big difference during peak booking hours.
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Use online tools – Websites like Trainman, TrainTatkal, or other railway booking trackers can notify you when booking opens for your selected travel date.
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Opt for flexible routes – Sometimes, booking from a nearby major station instead of your origin station increases the chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
Understanding Your Ticket Status
Once you book, your ticket will display a status that determines your seat availability:
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Confirmed – Your seat and coach number are allocated.
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RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) – You are allowed to travel but will have to share a berth until a cancellation upgrades your ticket.
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Waiting List – You do not have a confirmed seat and can only travel if your status moves to confirmed before the journey.
For premium categories like First Class or AC First, the ticket status will directly mention “Confirmed” if a berth is available.
Bottom Line
Securing a train ticket during Diwali and Chhath Puja requires speed, preparation, and awareness of railway booking rules. With the advance booking period now limited to 60 days, passengers must act quickly and plan ahead.
By logging in on time, saving travel details in advance, and monitoring booking windows, travelers can significantly improve their chances of getting a confirmed ticket without relying on costly Tatkal bookings.
For millions of Indians, festive travel is about more than just reaching home — it’s about reuniting with loved ones. Following these smart booking tips can help ensure that nothing comes between you and your celebrations.
