PATNA, India — Dozens of children drowned while bathing in rivers and ponds in rituals that were part of a three-day Hindu festival in eastern India’s Bihar state, officials said.
Heavy monsoon rains recently had raised the levels of waterways across the state.
At least 46 people, including 37 children, drowned in separate incidents across the state’s 15 districts, a statement from Bihar’s disaster management department said. Authorities have recovered 43 bodies so far, and the three missing people are presumed to be dead.
During the annual festival, mothers fast for 24 hours for the well-being of their children. The women are sometimes accompanied by their children when they visit rivers and ponds for cleansing rituals. The festival concluded Thursday.
The state government has announced a compensation of 400,000 rupees ($4,784) for the families of each of the dead.
Deadly accidents like drownings and stampedes during religious festivals are common in India.
In July, at least 121 people were killed after severe overcrowding and a lack of exits contributed to a stampede at a religious festival in northern India.
A tragic incident occurred during a Hindu festival in Eastern India, where multiple children drowned while bathing in a river. The incident took place during the Chhath Puja festival, a popular Hindu festival that involves offering prayers to the sun god and taking a dip in the river.
According to reports, a group of children were bathing in the river when suddenly they were swept away by strong currents. Despite efforts by onlookers to rescue them, the children tragically drowned. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning the loss of these young lives.
The Chhath Puja festival is celebrated with great fervor in Eastern India, especially in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. It is a time for devotees to express their gratitude to the sun god for sustaining life on earth and seek blessings for their families. The ritual of taking a dip in the river is considered sacred and is believed to cleanse the body and soul.
However, incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with bathing in rivers, especially during festivals when large crowds gather. Strong currents, sudden drops in water levels, and slippery rocks can all pose risks to swimmers, particularly children who may not be strong swimmers.
Authorities have urged devotees to exercise caution while participating in rituals that involve water, and to ensure that children are supervised at all times. It is important for parents and guardians to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
In the wake of this tragic incident, local officials have promised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drownings and take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. They have also offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured them of support during this difficult time.
As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, it is a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and safety measures when participating in religious rituals that involve water. Let us all come together to support the families affected by this tragedy and work towards ensuring the safety of all devotees during festivals and celebrations.
