Mark Your Calendars: Key Festival Dates for 2026
The corridor between Varanasi and Kolkata, passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, becomes one of the country's busiest travel routes in autumn. Two major festivals drive this incredible movement of people. First is Durga Puja, a five-day
spectacle especially cherished in West Bengal, which in 2026 will be celebrated from October 17th to October 21st. This period sees Kolkata transform into an open-air art gallery of pandals. Following this, the entire region gears up for Diwali, the festival of lights. The main day of Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with festivities spanning from November 6th to November 10th. These dates are your ground zero for travel planning; expect peak crowds and prices in the weeks surrounding them.
The Great Train Challenge: Booking Your Seat
For many, Indian Railways is the lifeline for getting home. During festival season, however, securing a confirmed ticket can feel like winning a lottery. Bookings for trains open 120 days in advance, and for these popular routes, tickets are often waitlisted within minutes. If you plan to travel during the peak Durga Puja or Diwali dates, you must be ready to book the very morning the window opens, typically at 8:00 AM. For last-minute plans, the Tatkal quota is an option, but even those seats are snapped up instantly. A practical tip is to be flexible with your dates; travelling a week before the main rush or a week after can make a significant difference. Also, consider booking your return journey at the same time you book your onward ticket.
Taking to the Skies: A Faster, Pricier Alternative
Flying is the fastest way to cover the distance between Varanasi (VNS) and Kolkata (CCU), with direct flights available. However, convenience comes at a steep cost during the festive rush. Airfares on popular routes can increase by 100% to 150% or more as the festival dates approach. Much like trains, the key to finding a reasonable fare is to book months in advance. If you wait until the last minute, expect to pay a significant premium. Using fare comparison websites and setting price alerts can help you grab a deal before they disappear. For those with more flexibility, flying into a nearby, less-congested airport and completing the journey by road might offer some savings, but this adds complexity to your travel.
Hitting the Road: Buses and Cabs
Road travel offers a viable alternative, though it comes with its own set of challenges. The journey by bus from Varanasi to Kolkata can take anywhere from 14 to 18 hours, depending on the operator and traffic conditions. A variety of services are available, from basic non-AC buses to more comfortable Volvo and sleeper options. While bus fares also rise with demand, they are often more readily available than train tickets. You can book these online through various portals. Another option is hiring a private cab, which provides the most flexibility but is also the most expensive choice. Be prepared for congested highways and potential delays, especially closer to the cities and festival dates.
Embrace the Crowds or Strategically Avoid Them?
Your travel strategy depends on your goal. If you want to experience the festive fervour firsthand, like pandal-hopping during Durga Puja in Kolkata or witnessing Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, then travelling during the peak is unavoidable. In this case, book everything far in advance, pack your patience, and be prepared for crowds. Alternatively, if your main objective is simply to get from one point to another, consider scheduling your travel just outside the main festival window. For example, travelling a few days before Mahalaya (the start of the Durga Puja season) or a week after Bhai Dooj (the end of Diwali celebrations) can offer a much calmer and more affordable experience. This allows you to enjoy the pre- or post-festival atmosphere without being caught in the thick of the travel frenzy.
