Dozens Of Children Died Drowning During Hindu Festival In India

JAKARTA - It is reported that 46 people drowned, the majority of children, while bathing in rivers and pools that overflowed due to recent floods during Hindu religious festival celebrations.

The death toll included 37 children and seven women who drowned on Wednesday, September 25, in eastern state of Bihar.

India had experienced incidents of crammed to death trampled on during past religious events, but incidents of drowning were widespread when festivals were rare.

Reported by Reuters on Thursday, September 26, local media reported several rivers and ponds in the state overflowed due to flooding after heavy rains.

The people celebrate the annual Jivitputrika Vrat festival, where women fast 24 hours and pray for the welfare of their children.

They also travel to rivers and pools in their neighborhood to take a shower, sometimes accompanied by their children.