At least 53 people drowned in rivers and other water bodies in various parts of Bihar during the four-day Chhath festivities, said a disaster management official here on Tuesday.
The drownings occurred in rivers and other water bodies across various state districts during the four-day festival.
“As many as 53 people drowned in rivers and other water bodies in various parts of Bihar during the four-day Chhath festivities,” local media quoted a disaster management official said.
According to the official, five people drowned in Purnea district on October 30, while three deaths each were reported from Patna, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur and Saharsa.
One person each died in Gaya, Begusarai, Katihar, Buxar, Kaimur, Sitamarhi and Banka among other districts.
“At least 18 people died in the state on October 31, the last day of the festival.”
Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the drownings and announced a compensation of $4,833 (₹400,000) to each victim’s family.
Mr Kumar had directed all the district magistrates to ensure expeditious payment of compensation amount to the families of victims.
Chhath Puja begins at the end of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Hindus, mostly in northern and eastern India, celebrate the festival by visiting water bodies and offering flowers to them.
Besides taking a bath to pray for protection and seek the sun god’s blessing.
(Xinhua/NAN)
