At least 46 people, including 37 children, drowned in Bihar, India, while celebrating the Hindu festival Jitiya Parv. The tragedy unfolded as families performed ritual baths in rivers and ponds swollen by recent floods, according to local officials on Thursday.
These incidents occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday across 15 districts in Bihar. The festival, which is primarily observed by mothers for the wellbeing of their children, saw devotees disregard warnings about rising water levels. Authorities said people entered unsafe waters, leading to several drownings.
An official from the Bihar Disaster Management Department confirmed the news. “People ignored dangerous water levels in rivers as well as ponds while bathing to celebrate this festival,” the official said. The official spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly. Rescue operations are ongoing, with three more bodies yet to be recovered.
The Jitiya Parv is celebrated not only in Bihar but also in neighboring states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, and parts of southern Nepal. It spans several days and is an essential part of the region’s cultural and religious calendar.
Previous Incidents Highlight Festival Risks
This is not the first time such a tragedy has struck during the Jitiya Parv festival. Last year, 22 people drowned in a 24-hour period while celebrating the same festival in Bihar. Unfortunately, deadly accidents like these are common during major religious festivals in India, especially when large gatherings take place at rivers, ponds, or places of worship.
Bihar has a long history of drowning incidents during religious festivals. The festival season draws millions of devotees, often leading to overcrowded conditions and, at times, unsafe environments. Lack of awareness or disregard for safety measures has contributed to these tragic events year after year.
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Government Response
The Bihar state government responded swiftly by announcing compensation for the families of the victims. Each family will receive financial aid as part of the government’s relief efforts, according to the disaster management department official.
Despite these measures, the loss of so many lives has left the community grieving. Authorities have now urged citizens to be more cautious during future religious celebrations, especially when heavy rainfall has elevated water levels.
Monsoon Floods Complicate Situation
India’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September, brings torrential rains and flash floods across the country. This year’s monsoon season has been particularly devastating, with rivers and ponds in Bihar overflowing. While the monsoon is vital for agriculture and the livelihood of millions of farmers, it also poses risks.
Floodwaters can rise unexpectedly, making normally safe areas extremely dangerous for religious bathing and other activities. Despite warnings from local authorities, many devotees entered rivers and ponds during the Jitiya Parv festival without realizing the severity of the situation.
A Pattern of Tragedy
Deadly incidents during religious gatherings are, unfortunately, not uncommon in India. In July, 116 people were crushed to death at an overcrowded Hindu festival in Uttar Pradesh. Such incidents underscore the need for improved safety measures and better crowd management at religious events.
With climate change and rising populations, the risks at such festivals may continue to grow. Authorities in India are working to balance the country’s deep religious traditions with the need for modern safety protocols, but the challenges remain significant.
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