At least 46 people drowned in Bihar, India, during a three-day festival celebrating the well-being of children, officials reported on Thursday.
Among the deceased, 37 were children and seven were women, the Bihar State government stated.
The festival, known as Jivitputrika Vrat, is primarily observed in northern India and parts of Nepal. During this event, women fast for 24 hours and pray for their children’s long life and health. While fasting, mothers often visit local rivers and ponds to bathe, usually accompanied by their children.
Typically, authorities in northern India deploy police and divers to ensure the safety of devotees during the festival. However, it remains unclear what safety measures were implemented in Bihar this year.
While stampedes during religious festivals are common in India, large-scale drownings are rare. The Bihar Disaster Management Authority did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident.
A local police officer indicated that the drownings occurred in various rivers and ponds across the state.
In Aurangabad District, eight children drowned while bathing in a pond. Residents reported that water levels in local bodies had risen due to recent heavy rains.
As of late Wednesday, seven bodies had been recovered, but one child remained missing, according to police officer Saurabh Kumar.
The community is now struggling with the tragic loss of life during what was meant to be a joyous celebration.