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Indian Railways has launched a heart-warming initiative to celebrate Chhath Puja 2025, under which soulful folk songs are being played at 30 major stations to welcome passengers heading home. The move, which captures the essence of the festival prevalent in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal, has gone viral on social media, with many saying, “Only Biharis can truly feel this music.”

Chhath Puja, a vibrant festival where devotees keep fast and pray for the prosperity of the family, lakhs of people visit their homes on this occasion. To add to the festive fervor, the Railways is playing famous Chhath songs of artists like Sharda Sinha, Neetu Kumari Navgeet and Vindhyavasni Devi at major stations, and stopping regular train announcements to these tunes. Stations in Bihar—Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur and Sonpur—are alive with songs like Sinha’s “Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya”, with major hubs like New Delhi, Ghaziabad and Anand Vihar Terminal also catering to the festive rush.

Northern Railway shared on X: “Sharda Sinha’s soulful Chhath song resonates at Shimla Railway Station, connecting journey with tradition.” Covering over 100 stations, but with a special focus on 30, the initiative has touched people’s hearts, and passengers have been sharing videos of the festive atmosphere. “One feels like home after listening to these songs,” said a passenger at Patna Junction.

This cultural initiative not only reduces the chaos of festive travel but also celebrates the rich heritage of Bihar, creating nostalgia and unity among travellers. Railways has also strengthened services with 176 special trains to handle the Chhath rush, thereby making travel smoother. As the stations resonate with devotional tunes, the initiative underlines India’s commitment to weaving tradition into modern travel, creating a festive homecoming atmosphere for millions.