Patna: For Shatrughan Kumar, a welder working in Chennai, the journey home to Bihar for Chhath was more than a trip to meet his mother. The migrant worker from Nalanda spent nearly his entire month’s salary on a flight to Patna, fulfilling his wish to travel by air and celebrate the festival with his loved ones.Kumar’s decision has since caught the attention of social media users, with videos from his IndiGo flight circulating online. A video featuring air hostesses drew attention, turning his personal journey into a viral moment. The first video was posted on Oct 19, followed by a series of reels from inside the plane on his social media account.For thousands of migrant workers from Bihar, Chhath holds special significance. Returning home often means arranging leave and spending a substantial amount on travel.Kumar said he earns approximately Rs 15,000 a month and spent almost an entire month’s earnings on the flight. The decision sparked debate online, with some questioning the expense while others backed him, saying people should be free to spend their hard-earned money on experiences that matter to them.Kumar received a warm welcome in his village after reaching Bihar, with content creators and YouTubers approaching him after the videos went viral.His journey has highlighted the emotional pull of home for migrant workers, for whom Chhath is not merely a religious occasion but also a cherished opportunity to reunite with their families.
