46 dead in Bihar during ‘Jivitputrika festival’, 37 children among victims
At least 46 people, including 37 children, drowned in Bihar during the ‘Jivitputrika’ festival as they took holy dips across 15 districts.
In Bihar, 46 people reportedly drowned over the last 24 hours during the ‘Jivitputrika festival’ celebration. The festival, observed on September 25, saw women fasting and taking holy dips in rivers and ponds for the well-being of their children. The Bihar government said the tragic incidents have happened in at least 15 state districts.
State Disaster Management Department (DMD) reported that 43 bodies have been recovered so far and a search operation is still going on for the victims.
“A total of 43 bodies have been recovered so far. Further search operation is on,” read an official statement from the DMD. The affected districts include East and West Champaran, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj, and Arwal.
Casualties are mostly children as according to confirmed reports, 37 children and seven women lost their lives in this incident. However, this figure is most likely to rise with more bodies being recovered from the water bodies across the states.
Aurangabad district was particularly hard hit, with at least eight children drowning in separate incidents. The district magistrate, Srikant Shastri, said, “The incidents took place when the victims, along with their family members, went for a holy dip in the water bodies.” Four children drowned in Itahat village in Baruna and another four in Kushaha village of Madanpur.
Compensation announced for victims’ families on Jivitputrika festival
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited the campus and expressed his condolences with the families of the deceased. He also announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh (approximately $4,800) to the next of kin of each victim. Compensation already disbursed to eight families of victims, and more expected to to be disbursed in the coming days.
The incident is a tragic reminder of the need to strictly enforce safety measures, particularly when religious festivities feature large gatherings near water bodies. In response to these incidents, the Bihar government has appealed to the people to exercise caution and avoid risky activities while participating in religious events.
Several initiatives are being undertaken to provide relief and aid for the victims of the disaster. Already, the state is working towards ensuring that all necessary help is provided to the affected persons during these testing times.
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