Bihar: 46 Dead, 3 Missing While Taking Holy Dip During Jivitputrika Festival

Patna: As many as 46 people, including 37 children, were drowned and three others went missing while taking holy dips in rivers and ponds in separate incidents during the 'Jivitputrika' festival in Bihar , the state government reported on Thursday.

The incidents took place in 15 districts of the state during the festival held on Wednesday.

During the 'Jivitputrika' festival, women fast for the well-being of their children and both take holy dips.

A statement issued by the Disaster Management Department (DMD) said, "A total of 43 bodies have been recovered so far. Further search operation is on.”

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an exgratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased.

The procedure of providing the exgratia has begun and family members of eight deceased have already received it, the statement said.

“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. 

(With PTI inputs)