- At least 46 people in India drown during Hindu festival
- 37 of those who died were children
- The deaths occurred during ritual bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent floods
At least 46 people in India drown during Hindu festival
At least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, drowned during the celebration of a Hindu religious festival in eastern India, according to local officials. The victims lost their lives while taking part in ritual bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent floods, with fatalities reported across 15 districts in the past 24 hours.
The tragic incident occurred during the three-day Jivitputrika festival, which celebrates the well-being of children and is marked by mothers fasting in their honour. Despite warnings about dangerous water levels, many festival-goers in Bihar proceeded with the traditional bath, leading to the deadly accidents. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as rescue efforts continue.
In response, state officials have announced that compensation will be provided to the families of the victims.
State authorities are once again calling for better safety measures during public gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.