Bihar Trains: The month of February is about to begin, and with it, the countdown to Holi (Holi 2026) begins. This holy festival of colors will be celebrated with great enthusiasm this year on March 14, 2026. The number of people returning home, especially to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, on Holi is so large that trains barely have a foothold. If you’re planning to travel to Bihar from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, be careful. Sleeper and confirmed seats on major trains are already full, almost two months before Holi.
Chaos on Bihar Trains
The rush to Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh for the festival of Holi can be gauged from the fact that premium trains running from New Delhi to Patna, Darbhanga, Jaynagar, Saharsa, and Muzaffarpur already have long waiting lists.
The train booking situation has become quite worrying. Sleeper and reserved class seats on trains from New Delhi to major stations like Patna, Ranchi, Prayagraj, and Gaya have been filled up two months in advance.
In many trains, there are no confirmed tickets available, nor are there any seats left on the waiting list. Passengers must now rely entirely on special trains announced by the Railways or last-minute RAC tickets. This same rush is seen every year for major routes in Bihar, like Mokama and Darbhanga.
How to Book on IRCTC
If you can’t find a confirmed seat on regular trains, don’t panic. You can still get home by adopting these smart methods:
1. Take advantage of the 120-day rule
Railway reservations open four months in advance. Although there’s little time left for Holi, you can book your return journey now to avoid the “no room” problem.
2. Say No to RAC Tickets
If the waiting list is long and you’re offered an RAC option, book it immediately. Having a RAC ticket gives you the legal right to board and sit on the train, at least for a certain period. These seats are often confirmed after chart preparation during your journey.
3. Tatkal and Premium Tatkal
The Tatkal quota opens at 10:00 AM (AC) and 11:00 AM (Sleeper) a day before your travel date. Save the passenger list in your IRCTC profile in advance to avoid even a second’s delay when booking.
Keep a close eye on Holi Special Trains
When regular trains run out of space, the railway administration announces hundreds of ‘Holi Special Trains’ to accommodate the heavy rush. These trains often run in late February or the first week of March.
You should keep a close eye on ‘Festival Special’ notifications on IRCTC and the Rail Madad app. Seats on these trains open up suddenly, giving those who couldn’t find tickets earlier a chance. Keep in mind that AC class seats sell out quickly, so try to find a seat in the sleeper class if possible.
Tips for a pleasant journey
Stations are extremely crowded during Holi, so it’s important to keep a few things in mind for your safety and convenience. Tatkal quotas open a day before your travel date, so save the passenger list in your IRCTC profile in advance. If you can’t find a direct train, you can also look for connecting trains. Always avoid unauthorized ticket brokers and book only through the official website to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.