A tragic series of drowning incidents claimed the lives of 46 people, including 37 children, during the three-day Jivitputrika festival in Bihar, according to a statement issued by the state government on Thursday. The festival, which is marked by fasting and holy dips in rivers and ponds, turned deadly as devotees participated in the rituals across the state.
Four women were also among the victims. The Bihar government confirmed that 43 bodies have been recovered, while three individuals remain missing. The fatalities were reported from 15 districts, including East Champaran, West Champaran, Aurangabad, Nalanda, Kaimur, and Patna.
Aurangabad witnessed the highest toll, with eight lives lost, followed by seven in Kaimur, and five each in Patna, Saran, and East Champaran. Efforts to recover missing individuals are ongoing.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased. The government has already begun distributing compensation, with eight families receiving it so far.
The 2024 tragedy mirrors a similar occurrence in 2023 when 22 people drowned during the same festival. Despite efforts to ensure safety during the Jivitputrika festival, which involves women fasting for the well-being of their children, incidents of drowning have persisted.
