At least 46 people, including 37 children, tragically drowned while taking holy dips in rivers and ponds across several districts in Bihar during the ‘Jivitputrika’ festival, officials reported on Thursday. The incidents, which took place on Wednesday, were spread over 15 districts in the state.
During this three-day festival, women fast for their children’s well-being and participate in holy bathing rituals.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased. Compensation distribution has already started, with family members of eight victims receiving assistance, according to an official statement.
The drowning incidents occurred in East and West Champaran, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj, and Arwal districts, with Aurangabad reporting the highest toll of eight deaths.
Srikant Shastri, District Magistrate of Aurangabad, noted that while the district administration prepares designated ghats for the festival, issues arise when people opt for local ghats that lack proper arrangements. Similarly, Aman Samir, District Magistrate of Saran, emphasized the importance of using maintained ghats, as four deaths were reported in his district.