Dozens of children tragically drowned while participating in rituals during a three-day Hindu festival in Bihar state, eastern India. The incidents occurred as heavy monsoon rains caused water levels to rise in various rivers and ponds across the state. A total of 46 individuals, including 37 children, lost their lives in separate drowning accidents in 15 districts of Bihar, as reported by the state’s disaster management department. Authorities have recovered 43 bodies, and the remaining three missing persons are presumed dead.

The festival, which took place annually, involved mothers fasting for 24 hours for the well-being of their children. Often, women bring their children along for cleansing rituals at rivers and ponds during this time. The festival concluded on Thursday, following these tragic events.

In response to the heartbreaking incidents, the state government has announced compensation of 400,000 rupees ($4,784) for each deceased victim’s family. Unfortunately, fatal accidents like drownings and stampedes during religious festivals are not uncommon in India.

This year alone, in July, a tragic stampede at a religious festival in northern India resulted in the deaths of at least 121 individuals. The unfortunate loss of lives during such events highlights the need for enhanced safety measures and crowd control strategies to prevent future tragedies.