Multiple children lost their lives in drowning incidents during Hindu festival in India.

At least 46 people, mainly children, drowned while bathing in rivers and ponds in north India during a Hindu religious festival. The incidents occurred in the eastern state of Bihar across 15 districts, where floods had swollen the water bodies. The festival being observed was the annual Jivitputrika Vrat, during which women fast for 24 hours and pray for the well-being of their children. The devotees were bathing in rivers and ponds as part of the celebrations when the tragic incidents occurred. The state government has announced compensation of $4,784 for the families of each deceased individual. While deadly stampedes during religious events have been seen in the past in India, widespread drowning incidents during festivals are rare. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks involved in participating in water-related activities during times of flooding and reinforces the importance of safety precautions during festive celebrations.

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