As many as 43 persons, including 37 children, drowned in water bodies in various parts of Bihar during the Jivitputrika festival on Wednesday. According to authorities, three persons are still missing and rescue efforts are continuing.
According to state government, as many as 37 children including girls drowned in water bodies across 15 districts in Bihar while they accompanied their parents to take a ‘holy dip’ as part of the Jivitputrika festival. During the festival, women fast for the well-being of their children and they take holy dip at water bodies nearby, authorities said.
In Aurungabad, eight minors, including seven girls, drowned while taking bath in ponds during the Jivitputrika festival.
The state disaster management said the bodies of 43 persons have been recovered and rescue operations are continuing, Times of India reported. The incidents of drowning were reported from East and West Champaran, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj and Arwal districts, the publication reported.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the incidents and has announced a solatium of Rs 4 lakh for families of deceased.