Local authorities reported that 37 children and seven people drowned while celebrating a Hindu spiritual celebration in southeast India.
In the past 24 hrs, the casualties have been confirmed in 15 regions.
According to a crisis management official, the victims died while taking a ritual bath in flooded rivers and ponds.
Every year, parents observe a three-day Jivitputrika event, which celebrates children’s well-being and observes mothers fasting for them.
Many people took risks in rivers while taking baths in order to enjoy the festival, according to officials in Bihar.
There are concerns that the death toll could climb nevertheless.
According to state officials, the victims ‘ families and relatives will receive compensation.
In the past, fatal accidents have occurred in India during major holidays when sizable crowds have gathered in small spaces without any strict safety regulations.
In July, at least 121 people were killed in a crush at a religious gathering in the northern Uttar Pradesh state.
In 2018, nearly 60 people were killed after a train rammed into a crowd watching celebrations for Dusshera, a Hindu festival.