At least 46 people, including 37 children and 7 women, lost their lives while celebrating a Hindu religious festival in eastern India. The tragic incident occurred across 15 districts in the past 24 hours.
According to a disaster management official, the victims drowned while performing a bathing ritual in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day Jivitputrika festival, celebrated annually, honors children’s well-being and involves mothers fasting for their children.
Officials in Bihar reported that many people disregarded the dangerous water levels in rivers while bathing to commemorate the festival. There are concerns that the death toll may increase further.
State authorities have announced that families and relatives of the victims will receive compensation.
