Bihar Election and Chhath Puja: Understanding the Strategic Relationship Between Festivals and Voter Turnout

Oct 14, 2025 09:47 pm CST

The Bihar election schedule strategically accommodates Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals to maximize voter participation, particularly among migrant workers. Historical data shows voter turnout increases when elections follow these cultural celebrations, with percentages rising from 45.85% in 2005 to 57.29% in 2020. The 2025 election uniquely positions voting after Chhath for the first time in recent electoral cycles, while political parties leverage the festival's significance for voter sentiment, as evidenced by Delhi's BJP government emphasizing "grand" Chhath celebrations.