46 Drown, Including 37 Children, During Jitiya Festival In Bihar

Patna | Desk: A tragic incident during the Jitiya festival in Bihar has claimed the lives of 46 people, including 37 children, who drowned while bathing in ponds and other water bodies.

According to the Disaster Management Department of the Bihar government, the fatalities occurred across various districts during the festival. Among the deceased, two men were also reported.

Aurangabad and Kaimur districts witnessed the highest number of casualties, with eight drowning victims in each district.

While ponds in the southern regions of Bihar typically have lower water levels, heavy rains this year have caused a significant rise, according to the department.

In addition to these districts, drowning incidents were reported in Rohtas, Arwal, Nalanda, Siwan, and Buxar, where women and children lost their lives while bathing during the Jitiya festival.

The Jitiya festival was celebrated on Tuesday and Wednesday, during which women observe a fast. In states like Bihar and Jharkhand, it is customary for women to bathe in rivers or ponds as part of their religious observance.