Travelling Home for Chhath? Plan Your Train Food Before the Rush

10-Nov-2026

Chhath Puja is one of the most cherished festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. Families come together to offer prayers to the Sun God, observe traditional rituals and prepare festive delicacies. For many people living away from home, the festival also brings an opportunity to travel back and celebrate with their loved ones. If you are travelling by train this Chhath, planning your meals can make the journey more convenient for you and your family. With IRCTC eCatering, passengers can explore a variety of food on train options from authorised restaurant partners along their journey. Simply enter your PNR to discover available restaurants, browse their menus and select meals for delivery at a suitable station along your route.

With food ordering services available across more than 440 railway stations, IRCTC eCatering brings together popular food brands, local restaurants and diverse cuisines. Whether you prefer a wholesome meal, a familiar favourite or something different along the way, you can explore the available choices before placing your order. A little advance planning can help you organise your festive travel meals and enjoy a more comfortable journey home this Chhath.

Why Planning Your Train Meals Early Matters

Chhath Puja travel often involves long journeys, particularly for passengers returning to their hometowns. With increased passenger movement during the festive season, planning your meals can make your journey more comfortable. Here is why ordering through IRCTC eCatering in advance can help.

Explore Food Options Before Your Journey

Festive travel periods can mean busier restaurants and greater demand for meals. Checking the available restaurants and menus in advance gives you time to explore different options. You can choose meals that suit your preferences without making hurried decisions.

Plan Meals Around Your Train Journey

Long journeys often involve varying station halts and travel schedules. You can check the available delivery stations and choose an appropriate option.

Consider Everyone’s Food Preferences

Travelling with family often means accommodating different food preferences. Parents, children and other family members may have different dietary requirements. Exploring the menu beforehand helps you select suitable meals for everyone.

Make Meal Planning Easier for Long Journeys

Carrying food for an entire journey can require additional preparation. With IRCTC eCatering, you can explore the partner restaurant, popular food brands and vendors at stations along your route. This gives you the flexibility to plan your meals at different points during your journey.

What Food Can You Order During Your Chhath Journey?

A train journey is incomplete without food, especially during festive seasons. Whether you need a fulfilling thali or some munchies and beverages, the options displayed on the IRCTC eCatering website or Food on Track app can help you plan accordingly. You can explore,

Complete Meals

North Indian thalis with dal, vegetables, chapati and rice
Paneer curries, Stuffed Paratha, Puri Sabzi, and other vegetarian meals
Biryani, pulao, and rice-based dishes
South Indian meals, idli, dosa, upma, vada, curd rice
Chicken or other non-vegetarian meal combinations

Snacks and Lighter Options

Sandwiches
Wraps and Rolls
Cutlets
Pizza
Fruit platters
Khichdi
Rice bowls
Desserts
Tea, coffee, and other beverages may also be available.

Chhath Puja Special Food

Regional delicacies play an important part in the Chhath Puja. Chhath Puja special food includes dishes like Thekua, a deep-fried sweet made with flour, sugar, and Ghee. Other special foods of Chhath Puja include Pirukiya, also a deep-fried sugar syrup-dipped sweet, Rice Ladoo, and Parwal sweet. For savoury flavours, there is Hara Chana, pumpkin rice, Dahi Chuda, Lauki Bhaat, Poori, etc. If available along your train journey, you can order and try these regional delicacies.

How to Order Food on Train with IRCTC eCatering

The process of ordering food on train with IRCTC eCatering is straightforward. Follow these steps to order food in train:

Open the IRCTC eCatering website or download the IRCTC Food on Track app.
Enter your 10-digit PNR number.
Select a delivery station from those available along your route.
Explore meals, snacks, beverages, sweets and regional delicacies from the listed restaurants.
Add your favourites to the cart.
Choose an available payment method, such as online payment or Cash on Delivery.
Review your details, then place your order.
Once confirmed, follow the delivery instructions to receive your food at the selected station.

What to Check Before Ordering Food in Train

Before you order food in train, take a moment to verify these details:

Only order from the official IRCTC eCatering website or the Food on Track app. Avoid relying on unverified links or payment requests.
Not every station or restaurant serves every train. Make sure your selected delivery station appears among the options for your journey.
Restaurants may have different order cut-off times. Review the timing information displayed on the platform and place your order ahead of time.
Check your PNR, selected station, food items and quantities before completing the booking.
Use the payment methods displayed during checkout. After placing your order, check for confirmation and retain the order details for reference.

These simple checks can help you plan more confidently and reduce avoidable confusion during your journey.

Have Your Food Plans Sorted While Heading Home for Chhath with IRCTC eCatering

Travelling back home for Chhath Puja is a journey filled with warmth, nostalgia, and anticipation. However, the intense festive rush can make managing meals on the train a challenging task. With IRCTC eCatering, you can easily pre-book your favourite dishes from FSSAI-approved partner restaurants and have fresh, hygienic meals delivered right to your train. Whether you prefer a complete thali, a rice-based meal or a light snack, choosing ahead of time makes all the difference. Plan your festive meals with IRCTC eCatering to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. This allows you to order food on train and focus on the celebrations ahead with your family and loved ones.