Dozens of Children Drown in Bihar During Jivitputrika Vrat
- The Jivitputrika Vrat festival involves women fasting and praying for their children's health, leading to millions visiting rivers and ponds for ritual bathing.
- This year, heavy monsoon rains have caused rivers and ponds to swell, resulting in at least 46 drownings, including 37 children and seven women, across 15 districts in Bihar.
- The Bihar government has announced compensation for the victims' families, underscoring the recurring nature of such tragedies during religious festivals.
During the Jivitputrika Vrat festival in Bihar, India, at least 46 individuals, predominantly children, drowned in swollen rivers and ponds due to heavy monsoon rains. This annual festival, which involves women fasting and praying for their children's well-being, saw millions participating in ritual bathing. The tragic incidents occurred across 15 districts, highlighting the dangers posed by the flooding. The Bihar government has announced compensation for the victims' families, reflecting the recurring nature of such fatalities during religious gatherings in India. The ongoing monsoon season, which has extended beyond its usual timeframe, has led to widespread flooding and landslides across the country, exacerbating the risks associated with these festivities. The situation is further complicated by climate change, which is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, leading to significant loss of life and property in the region.