Mahashivratri is one of India’s most spiritually significant festivals, drawing millions of devotees to temples, Jyotirlingas, and pilgrimage towns across the country. With Mahashivratri 2026 falling on Sunday, 15 February, train bookings for this high-demand travel period are now OFFICIALLY OPEN.
If you’re planning to travel for temple darshan, night-long prayers, family visits, or a spiritual getaway, now is the best time to book your train tickets early and avoid last-minute hassles.
🔱 Secure Your Seats Before the Mahashivratri Rush Begins
February is a peak travel month in India – pleasant weather, festival travel, and weekend breaks make it ideal for train journeys. Mahashivratri, in particular, sees massive passenger movement across pilgrimage routes, leading to fast-filling trains and long waitlists.
Whether you’re travelling solo for darshan, with family, or as part of a group pilgrimage, early booking ensures a smooth, stress-free spiritual journey.
🌙 Why Mahashivratri 2026 Is a Major Travel Period
In 2026, Mahashivratri falls on Sunday, 15 February, making it perfect for:
- Weekend temple visits
- Overnight spiritual journeys
- Short religious trips without taking leave
Travel demand spikes due to:
- Night-long temple rituals & special aartis
- Jyotirlinga pilgrimages
- Large-scale gatherings at major Shiva temples
- Pleasant winter-to-spring weather for travel
As a result, Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, and Tatkal seats get booked weeks in advance, especially on routes connecting major pilgrimage destinations.
🎯 Why You Should Book Mahashivratri Train Tickets Early
Mahashivratri is among the highest railway footfall festivals after Diwali and Chhath. Booking early helps you enjoy:
✅ Confirmed Seats, Zero Stress
Avoid long waitlists and last-minute ticket anxiety.
💺 Preferred Class & Berth
Choose your ideal coach – Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, or Chair Car – before availability drops.
🕐 Better Train Choices
Pick convenient departure and arrival times instead of settling for odd-hour trains.
🌤️ Comfortable February Travel
Cool weather makes train journeys pleasant, but also increases demand.
🧘 Peaceful Pilgrimage Experience
Focus on your prayers and travel plans – not ticket status updates.
🚄 Most Popular Train Routes for Mahashivratri
These destinations are expected to witness heavy passenger traffic during Mahashivratri week:
🛕 Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts lakhs of devotees for Mahashivratri night rituals.
🔱 Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
Home to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the most visited Shiva temples in India.
🕉️ Somnath (Gujarat)
A sacred Jyotirlinga destination with special Mahashivratri celebrations.
🛕 Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
A major Shaivite pilgrimage site with high demand from South India routes.
🛕 Kedarnath / Haridwar / Rishikesh
Gateway cities for Himalayan spiritual travel see a sharp booking surge.
🛕 Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh)
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, attracting devotees from Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
🛕 Bhimashankar & Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)
Highly crowded during Mahashivratri, especially from Mumbai–Pune routes.
📲 How to Book Mahashivratri Train Tickets on Paytm
Booking your Mahashivratri journey on Paytm is quick, simple, and secure:
- Open the Paytm App
- Tap on Train Tickets
- Enter your From–To stations
- Select travel dates around 14–16 February 2026
- Choose your preferred train & class
- Add passenger details
- Pay securely using UPI or Cards
🎟️ Your e-ticket is instantly available in the app and sent to your registered email.
🚨 Look Out for Special Trains & Extra Coaches
For major festivals like Mahashivratri, Indian Railways often introduces:
- Festival special trains
- Extra Sleeper & AC coaches
- Temporary timetable updates
Stay updated via:
- Official Indian Railways announcements
- IRCTC notifications
- Paytm Travel alerts for new trains and Tatkal openings
Even if your preferred train is full initially, these additions can improve seat availability.
🧘 Plan a Spiritual Getaway Around Mahashivratri
Since Mahashivratri falls on a Sunday, you can easily combine:
- A short pilgrimage trip
- A weekend spiritual retreat
- Family visits with temple darshan
- Temple hopping across nearby Jyotirlingas
Train tickets and hotels fill up quickly during this period – early planning helps you save money and time.
🎒 Travel Tips for a Smooth Mahashivratri Journey
- Carry a digital & printed copy of your ticket and ID
- Pack light winter wear – February mornings can be chilly
- Carry water, fruits, and prasad-friendly snacks
- Track live train status on Paytm
- Reach stations early due to festival crowds
- Prefer lower berths when travelling with elders
- Book return tickets in advance (15-17 Feb will be crowded)
🌟 Final Word: Celebrate Mahashivratri Without Stress
Mahashivratri symbolises devotion, spiritual awakening, and inner peace – don’t let last-minute travel issues disrupt this sacred experience.
With train bookings for Mahashivratri (Sunday, 15 February) now OPEN, this is the perfect time to:
🎟️ Book early and avoid waitlists
🚆 Secure confirmed seats via Paytm
🔱 Plan a peaceful and meaningful spiritual journey
Start planning your Mahashivratri travel today – and experience the festival with complete peace of mind. ✨🚆🔱
