At least 46 individuals, including 37 children and seven women, tragically lost their lives during a Hindu religious festival in eastern India, according to local officials. The fatalities were recorded across 15 districts in the last 24 hours.
A disaster management official reported that the victims drowned while participating in ritual bathing in rivers and ponds that had been swollen by recent flooding. The Jivitputrika festival, which spans three days, is an annual event celebrating children’s wellbeing, during which mothers fast for their children.
Officials in Bihar noted that many attendees overlooked the hazardous water conditions while bathing in celebration of the festival. Concerns remain heightened as the overall death toll may continue to rise.
State authorities have announced that families and relatives of the deceased will receive compensation. Historically, deadly accidents have occurred in India during major festivals, particularly when large crowds gather with insufficient safety measures. In a recent incident in July, at least 121 people perished in a crush at a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, in 2018, nearly 60 lives were lost when a train collided with a crowd attending Dusshera celebrations.
