At least 43 people, including 37 children, drowned on Thursday while participating in celebrations for the Jitiya Parv Hindu festival in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, local officials reported.
The tragic incidents occurred across various locations in Bihar as worshippers took part in the festival, which involves bathing in local rivers and streams. Jitiya Parv is a festival observed by mothers for the wellbeing of their children.
A local official, speaking to AFP, stated, “People ignored dangerous water levels in rivers as well as ponds while bathing.” The official added that the families of the victims will receive compensation from the state government.
This incident underscores the ongoing safety concerns surrounding religious gatherings in India. Deadly accidents are not uncommon at places of worship during festivals. Just a year ago, 22 people, including 15 children, lost their lives during the same festival.
