As the festive season of Diwali approaches, the joy of homecoming for many has been dimmed by exorbitant airfares, leaving families grappling with tough decisions. In Pune, the heart-wrenching choice to send loved ones alone due to steep travel costs has become a reality for one resident, echoing the sentiments of numerous others in similar situations.
The Costly Journey: Pune Resident Pays the Price
For a Pune resident, the dream of celebrating Diwali with family in Chandigarh turned into a financial quandary. Faced with airfares exceeding Rs 55,000 for his wife and daughter, the prospect of accompanying them on the journey would have skyrocketed the cost to a staggering Rs 75,000. In a painful decision, he opted to stay behind, sacrificing his presence for the sake of fiscal prudence.
Vadgaon Sheri and Beyond: Grounded by High Fares and Booked Trains
The Diwali exodus is not confined to Vadgaon Sheri; it extends its reach to many others across the region. Cancelled plans, subdued celebrations, and lonely festivities mark the season for those unable to make the journey home. With airfares soaring and trains fully booked, the festival becomes a low-key affair for many, relying solely on virtual connections for comfort.
Pollution Woes and Financial Strains: Noida to Pune Shifts Diwali Celebrations
In Koregaon Park, a resident’s plan to celebrate Diwali in Noida took a turn due to both pollution concerns and financial constraints. Relatives, well-aware of Delhi’s pollution during Diwali, advised against the expensive trip home. Instead, they advocated for celebrating in Pune with friends, emphasizing the need for practicality over tradition.
Separation During Festivals: A Growing Reality
Another resident shared the poignant reality faced by families with low incomes, highlighting the increasing difficulty of traveling together during festivals. For the Chhath festival, plans to visit Patna were halted as financial constraints forced a separation, with the spouse and child remaining in Pune.
A Diwali Unlike Before: Loneliness Amidst Festivities
As the high-flying costs of Diwali travel reshape traditions, families find solace in virtual connections and local celebrations. The festive season becomes a bittersweet mix of sacrifices and celebrations, reflecting the changing dynamics of familial togetherness during special occasions.
