46 people including 37 children drowned in India during a religious festival

A tragic incident occurred in the Indian state of Bihar where 46 people, including 37 children, drowned during the celebration of the Jyot Patrika religious festival. The drownings were reported across 15 districts, with rivers and ponds swollen due to recent flooding in the area. The Indian government has since announced compensation for the families of the victims.

Details of the Incident

The drownings began on Tuesday across multiple districts in Bihar. As people participated in religious rituals associated with the Jyot Patrika festival, several individuals drowned while bathing in the swollen rivers and ponds. According to reports, the water levels were significantly higher due to recent floods in the region, contributing to the dangerous conditions.

So far, the bodies of 46 victims have been recovered, with search operations ongoing for three more missing individuals.

About the Jyot Patrika Festival

The Jyot Patrika festival is a significant religious event celebrated by mothers in India, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, as well as parts of Nepal. The festival is observed to pray for the protection and well-being of children. During this event, devotees typically offer prayers near bodies of water, which in this instance, turned tragic due to the high water levels from recent floods.

Regions Affected by the Drownings

The tragic drowning incidents were reported across 15 districts of Bihar, including:

• Aurangabad
• Gopaljung
• Samastipur
• Rohtas
• Patna
• Vaishali

These regions have been particularly affected by recent flooding, making the rivers and ponds where the rituals took place more dangerous than usual.

Government Response and Compensation

In response to the incident, the government of Bihar has announced an ex-gratia compensation of INR 4 lakh (approximately $4,800 USD) for the families of each victim. Authorities have also launched search and rescue operations for the three missing individuals.

Previous Incidents During the Festival

This is not the first time that such a tragedy has occurred during the Jyot Patrika festival. Last year, during the same festival, 22 people drowned within a span of 24 hours, underscoring the need for improved safety measures during religious celebrations involving water bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Jyot Patrika festival?

A: The Jyot Patrika festival is a religious event celebrated by mothers in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal. It involves offering prayers for the well-being and protection of children, often performed near water bodies.

Q: How many people drowned during this year’s festival?

A: A total of 46 people, including 37 children, drowned in Bihar during the festival.

Q: Which districts were affected?

A: The drownings occurred in 15 districts, including Aurangabad, Gopaljung, Samastipur, Rohtas, Patna, and Vaishali.

Q: What compensation is being offered to the victims' families?

A: The Bihar government has announced INR 4 lakh compensation for the families of each of the deceased.

Q: Has this happened before during the Jyot Patrika festival?

A: Yes, similar incidents occurred last year during the same festival, with 22 people drowning in a 24-hour period.

Conclusion

The tragic drownings during the Jyot Patrika festival in Bihar have once again highlighted the risks associated with such large-scale religious gatherings near water bodies, especially during periods of high water levels due to floods. While the government has responded with financial compensation and ongoing search efforts, this incident raises important questions about public safety and the need for preventive measures during religious festivals in flood-prone areas.