Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Jivitputrika Vrat festival, one of the Hindu ritual celebrated in the Indian state of Bihar, turned tragic as 46 people drowned while performing a ritual bath in a river, a key part of the festival’s ceremonies.
Jivitputrika Vrat is a traditional festival observed by women, who fast and pray for the health and well-being of their children. As part of the ritual, participants perform ceremonial baths in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies at the conclusion of the festival.
Despite heavy rains that flooded many areas this year, participants proceeded with the ceremonial bathing. The downpour caused water levels in local rivers to swell dangerously, leading to widespread floods.
According to Independent UK, at least 46 festival participants, including 37 children and seven women, drowned in rivers and ponds. In response to the tragedy, state authorities have announced compensation of 400,000 rupees (approximately USD $4,800) for each victim’s family.
Fatal accidents during large, crowded festivals are not uncommon in India. Last year, 22 people drowned during the same festival in Bihar. Earlier this year in July, at least 116 people died in a neighboring state, Uttar Pradesh, after a building collapsed during a packed Hindu religious event, marking one of the worst tragedies in over a decade.
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This most recent loss of life comes as India battles prolonged monsoon rains, which have caused widespread flooding across several states. While India’s monsoon season typically spans from mid-June to mid-September, this year, heavy rains have extended into late September, leading to prolonged flooding and swollen rivers throughout the country.
Jivitputrika Vrat Festival
Jivitputrika Vrat, also known as Jitiya Vrat, is a revered festival primarily celebrated by mothers, who fast and perform rituals for the well-being and prosperity of their children. Observed in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, as well as neighboring Nepal, the festival has deep cultural and religious significance in the Hindu tradition.
This ancient festival spans three days, occurring from the seventh to the ninth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashvin. The ritual bath, which marks the end of the fast, is seen as a way for mothers to show their devotion and commitment to the welfare of their children.
This year, Jivitputrika Vrat took place on Wednesday, September 25, amidst heavy rains and challenging weather conditions.
The hindu festival of Jivitputrika Vrat is a deeply cherished event for families, reflecting the sacred bond between mothers and their children. However, this year’s tragedy casts a shadow over what is normally a joyful and spiritually significant occasion.
(Raidi/Agung)
