At least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, drowned while bathing during a Hindu religious festival in Bihar, eastern India, local authorities reported on September 26, 2024.
A local disaster management official detailed that the victims drowned during a ritual bath in rivers and ponds that had flooded due to recent heavy rains affecting the region. "These individuals ignored the dangerously high levels of the rivers and lakes while bathing to celebrate the festival," the official, who requested anonymity, stated.
The drownings occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday across fifteen districts of Bihar during the annual Jitiya festival, also known as Jivitputrika. During this festival, women fast for 24 hours and offer prayers for the well-being of their children, often traveling to nearby rivers and ponds to bathe, sometimes accompanied by their children.
The state government has announced a compensation of 400,000 rupees (approximately $26,000) for the families of each victim. As of Thursday, rescue teams were still searching for three other individuals reported missing.
Flooding is common in India during the monsoon season, which occurs from July to September. Scientists believe that climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and unpredictability of such events.