Tragic drowning during Jivitputrika festival in Bihar: 46 dead, including 37 children

At least 46 people, including 37 children, drowned while taking holy baths in rivers and ponds in Bihar during the “Jivitputrika” festival held in 15 districts, officials said on Thursday.

The disturbing incidents occurred on Wednesday during a festival for the welfare of children, during which women fast and perform rituals involving holy immersion.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 400,000 to the bereaved families. Eight families have already received the compensation. The affected districts include East and West Champaran, Nalanda, Aurangabad and several others.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed concern and termed the situation as unfortunate. He said that the Chief Minister was closely monitoring the developments. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary criticised the administration for inadequate arrangements at the local ghats and accused the state government of negligence.

In Aurangabad district, which reported the highest number of deaths, its Magistrate Srikant Shastri and Saran District Magistrate Aman Samir stressed the need to follow recommended safety guidelines at designated ghats. However, personal tragedies such as that of Manoranjan Singh, who lost his daughter, underline the sudden and tragic nature of the incidents.

(With contributions from agencies.)