📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sir Charles D'Oyly (1781 - 1845) – Artist (British
Religion
Thousands of Migrants Flood Bihar Ahead of Deepavali and Chhath Celebrations
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 08 Nov 2026, 09:16 PM
👁 6
Large numbers of migrants are traveling thousands of kilometres to Bihar as the state prepares for Deepavali and Chhath festivals.
Bihar is witnessing a massive influx of migrants in the days leading up to Deepavali and the Chhath puja, two of the state's most widely observed festivals. Travelers are covering distances of several thousand kilometres, using trains, buses and private vehicles to reach towns and villages across the state.
State transport officials report that railway reservations and bus bookings have surged, prompting additional services to be scheduled. Local police and municipal bodies are coordinating to manage crowd movement and ensure safety at major pilgrimage sites such as the Ganga ghats.
The surge reflects both cultural devotion and the desire of migrant workers to be with families during the festive period. While the exact headcount is not available, authorities describe the movement as one of the largest seasonal migrations Bihar has seen in recent years.
Preparations are underway to provide temporary shelters, medical aid and sanitation facilities for the arriving crowds. The state government has appealed to transport operators to maintain punctuality and adhere to safety norms as the festivals approach.
State transport officials report that railway reservations and bus bookings have surged, prompting additional services to be scheduled. Local police and municipal bodies are coordinating to manage crowd movement and ensure safety at major pilgrimage sites such as the Ganga ghats.
The surge reflects both cultural devotion and the desire of migrant workers to be with families during the festive period. While the exact headcount is not available, authorities describe the movement as one of the largest seasonal migrations Bihar has seen in recent years.
Preparations are underway to provide temporary shelters, medical aid and sanitation facilities for the arriving crowds. The state government has appealed to transport operators to maintain punctuality and adhere to safety norms as the festivals approach.