Inside toilets, on the train floor, a Chhath journey is no easy task

A little distance away is Ajit Yadav, who is on his way to Bihar’s Sitamarhi district to celebrate the festival with his family. Yadav said, “The Railways now has better managed platforms, and security personnel ensure that people do not break the queue. But the actual problem begins with the journey… Last time when I went home during Chhath, at least six to seven people were travelling inside one of the bathrooms. I avoid eating or drinking in the trains as it is impossible to reach the bathroom if you are sitting in the middle of the bogey.”

Chhath is one of the major festivals of people from Bihar and Eastern UP, who have come to be known as Purvanchalis in the capital. It is estimated that due to the massive migration over the past decades, Purvanchalis now make up nearly one-third of the city’s over 2-crore population. Ramya Nidhi, 53, said, “For men, it is still easier as they get down on platforms to urinate using the emergency windows if the train is overcrowded. But we have no such option.”

“If you have a baby with you, then I will advise it is better to drop plans to go home during this time.Women tie sarees on the ceiling fans and keep their children on it so that they do not suffocate in the rush,” she added. Most passengers agreed that getting reservation in Bihar-bound trains is generally difficult during this time. Santosh Kumar, 42, considers himself lucky that this time he got a confirmed sleeper berth.

Kumar has been in Delhi for a decade but has not missed a single Chhath at home. “You can enjoy other festivals in Delhi but Chhath is a festival you enjoy only if you are in Bihar. It is like a family gettogether, when our relatives who are in different parts of India meet.” Recalling his earlier journeys, Kumar said, “I have travelled with the engine driver and have also slept on the side of the coach door. This time we have two confirmed tickets. But three people are travelling.”