37 children, 9 other adult drown in India during Hindu festival that celebrates children’s wellbeing
No fewer than 46 people, including 37 children and 7 women, drowned while celebrating a Hindu religious festival in eastern India, local officials said.
The number of fatalities has been confirmed across 15 districts over the past 24 hours.
A disaster management official reported that the victims passed away while engaging in a bathing ritual in rivers and ponds that had swelled due to recent flooding.
The three-day Jivitputrika festival, which celebrates the well-being of children every year, is also observed with mothers fasting for them.
Officials in Bihar said many people ignored dangerous water levels in rivers while bathing to celebrate the festival.
There are fears that the overall de*th toll could rise further.
State authorities said families and relatives of the victims will receive compensation.
