Tragedy Strikes Bihar: 46 Drown, Including 37 Children, During ‘Jivitputrika’ Festival
PATNA: A profound tragedy unfolded during the ‘Jivitputrika’ festival in Bihar, where 46 individuals, including 37 children, tragically drowned while taking holy dips in rivers and ponds. The heartbreaking incidents occurred during a three-day celebration, marking one of the state’s most significant cultural and religious observances. The Bihar government confirmed the grim details in a statement released on Thursday, highlighting the extent of this devastating loss.
Among the deceased, four women were also reported, underscoring the broad impact of this calamity on families across the state. The ‘Jivitputrika’ festival, celebrated with fervor, sees women fasting for the well-being of their children, making the loss even more poignant. This year’s celebration began with the traditional ‘nahay khay,’ where devotees are expected to take a holy dip, a ritual believed to purify the soul and invoke blessings for their children.
The state disaster management department revealed that while 43 bodies have been recovered so far, three individuals remain missing. The drownings took place across 15 districts, illustrating the widespread nature of this tragedy. The fatalities were reported from regions including East Champaran, West Champaran, Aurangabad, Nalanda, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj, and Arwal. The festival was observed on Wednesday, and the scale of the incidents has left the community in shock.
The distribution of deaths paints a grim picture, with Aurangabad reporting the highest number at eight fatalities. Kaimur followed closely with seven, while five deaths each occurred in Patna, Saran, and East Champaran. The tragic toll also included three lives lost in West Champaran and Rohtas, and two in both Vaishali and Samastipur. The sorrow deepened with one reported drowning each in Gopalganj and Arwal.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed profound grief over this heart-wrenching incident and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. The chief minister assured that the process of distributing these funds had already begun, with family members of eight of the victims having received assistance as of the latest updates. Such gestures, though helpful, cannot alleviate the immense grief and trauma experienced by the affected families.
The ‘Jivitputrika’ festival has seen its share of tragedies in previous years as well. In 2023, 22 people lost their lives during similar celebrations, a stark reminder of the risks associated with large gatherings and water rituals. Last year’s incidents were reported from several districts, including Bhojpur, Jehanabad, and Darbhanga, raising questions about safety measures and preparedness during such significant religious observances.
Local officials and safety advocates have called for increased awareness and precautions during future festivals to prevent such disasters. Measures such as designated safe bathing areas, lifeguard services, and public education on water safety could be crucial in averting similar tragedies in the future. The call for action is urgent, as the community grapples with the repercussions of this year’s events.
As Bihar mourns the loss of these lives, the impact of the tragedy resonates deeply within the fabric of society. Families are left to deal with the unimaginable loss of children and loved ones, while the state grapples with the necessity of ensuring such events are celebrated safely. The collective sorrow unites the community in grief, reflecting a profound sense of loss that extends beyond individual families.
The ‘Jivitputrika’ festival is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but this year’s events have turned into a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen dangers that can arise during cherished traditions. The community’s hope now lies in healing, support for the affected families, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of future celebrations. As Bihar navigates through this difficult time, the call for vigilance and proactive measures to protect lives remains more critical than ever.
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