Patna, India — The conclusion of Chhath Puja, a festival traditionally marked by rituals of gratitude and hope, was marred by tragedy in Bihar as at least 22 lives were lost, including several children, during celebrations across multiple districts. While thousands flocked to rivers and ghats to offer prayers to the rising sun, tragic accidents shattered the atmosphere of devotion.
Eyewitness accounts from regions including Khagaria, Nalanda, Purnia, Bhagalpur, and Patna reflected a heart-wrenching turn of events. Many families, who had planned festivities, found themselves engulfed in mourning following drownings and health emergencies that overshadowed the day’s festivities.
In Patna’s Barh subdivision, the joy of the day turned to sorrow when three individuals perished during the rituals. Two young men drowned in the Ganga River when one slipped into deep water, prompting the other to jump in to save him. Local rescue efforts were unfortunately in vain. Additionally, a woman participating in the Chhath fast suffered a heart attack while on her way to the ghat; she was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Khagaria district witnessed one of the most tragic events of the celebrations, with four children drowning in Rasounk village while bathing near the riverbank. The State Disaster Response Force was deployed to assist with recovery efforts, as the community grappled with the sudden loss. In a separate incident, eight-year-old Nandini Kumari lost her life in the Kosi River, drifting into deep water while helping her family with preparations for the rituals.
Meanwhile, Nalanda reported several fatalities at different ghats. Seven fatalities were recorded, including that of 10-year-old Kumar Sawant, who drowned while bathing at Balwachak Chhath Ghat. Another incident occurred in Silav, where 14-year-old Shambhu Kumar was swept away in the Panchane River; divers worked late into the night to find him.
In Purnia, the festive spirit turned somber when two brothers, Satyam and Shivam, drowned while bathing after performing an evening ritual. Locals rushed them to Sadar Hospital, but both were pronounced dead. Similarly, in Bhagalpur’s Smilepur area, four children drowned during the evening offerings, leaving the once lively ghats in silence.
In response to these tragedies, district administrations and disaster response teams mobilized to facilitate rescue operations and provide assistance to affected families. Local officials expressed their condolences and emphasized the need for improved safety measures at ghats in future celebrations.
Despite preparations such as barricading, lighting, and police presence, many areas lacked essential safety features like ropes or clear signage, particularly in rural regions where families performed rituals at smaller bodies of water. “Every year, we strive to enhance our arrangements,” admitted an official from the Khagaria district administration. “However, managing crowds during Chhath remains a challenge, especially in localized areas.”
For the families who endured losses, what was meant to be a day of joy and renewal became a solemn time for reflection and mourning, marking a poignant reminder of the fragility of life amid celebration.