PATNA—Officials approved a subsidy for a direct air link between a sacred city and Bangkok, merging spirituality with duty-free. Pilgrims asked if baggage allowance includes blessings; airline said terms apply.

Travel agents celebrated; immigration consultants practiced smiling. One devotee said darshan here, shopping there, guilt nowhere.

Opposition asked about schools; government asked about connectivity. Cockroaches at airport said they prefer layover under oven.