Tragedy at Jivitputrika Festival: 43 Drowned in Bihar

During the Jivitputrika festival in Bihar, 43 people, including 37 children, drowned while taking holy dips in rivers and ponds. The incidents occurred across 15 districts. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an exgratia of Rs 4 lakh for the victims' families. Search and compensation efforts continue.

During the Jivitputrika festival in Bihar, 43 people, including 37 children, tragically drowned while taking holy dips in rivers and ponds, according to the state government on Thursday.

The incidents unfolded across 15 districts of the state on Wednesday, as women observed the festival by fasting and performing holy dips for their children's well-being.

A total of 43 bodies have been recovered, with search operations still ongoing. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an exgratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. So far, eight families have received the compensation. The districts affected include East and West Champaran, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj, and Arwal.

(With inputs from agencies.)