In a heartbreaking turn of events, 43 devotees, mostly children, lost their lives while taking holy dips in rivers and ponds during the ‘Jivitputrika’ festival in Bihar on Wednesday. The state government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and has begun the process of compensation. As authorities continue search and recovery efforts, questions arise about safety measures and precautions for such events in the future.
Tragedy Strikes Bihar: 43 Devotees Drown During 'Jivitputrika' Festival
On Wednesday, a somber pall descended upon the state of Bihar as news spread of a heart-wrenching tragedy during the annual 'Jivitputrika' festival. A total of 43 devotees, primarily children, perished while taking holy dips in various rivers and ponds across the state.
Background
The 'Jivitputrika' festival, observed by Hindu women on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadra, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that observing this festival enhances the well-being and longevity of sons. As part of the rituals, women and their daughters bathe in rivers and offer prayers.
Details of the Tragedy
The drownings occurred at several locations in Bihar, including Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, and Samastipur districts. In Muzaffarpur, the highest number of deaths (22) occurred at the Domharu Ghat on the Budhi Gandak river. Among the victims were young girls ranging in age from 8 to 14.
Rescue operations were promptly launched by local authorities, assisted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). However, the fast-flowing currents and slippery banks presented challenges in recovering the bodies.
Government Response
The Bihar government has expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased victim. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the 'Jivitputrika' festival?
2. How many people drowned in the Bihar tragedy?
3. What caused the drownings?
4. What safety measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future?
5. What other past tragedies have occurred during religious festivals in Bihar?
During the official Christmas celebrations in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, expressed his appreciation for the Christian community's contributions to education and healthcare. He also announced several initiatives to support Dalit Christians and stressed upon the importance of religious equality in the state. The event concluded with the Chief Minister cutting a ceremonial Christmas cake and promoting unity among all religions in Telangana.
Rajkumar Hirani, director of the award-winning film PK, shares his experience of meeting Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and filming a crucial scene at his ashram during Mahashivratri. Despite his initial hesitation, Gurudev welcomed the team with open arms, showing his trust and faith in the director's vision. The encounter led Hirani to explore the spiritual aspects of meditation and eventually led him to practice and promote it amongst his team and family. Gurudev's impact on the director's life is now being recognized globally as the UN commemorates World Meditation Day on 21 December.
The Kurnool District Police in Andhra Pradesh received the prestigious ABCD Award for their exceptional investigation into a murder case in 2024. The department also ranked first in the state for resolving a total of 7,913 cases in the National Mega Lok Adalat. This successful initiative involved identifying eligible cases in advance and promoting mutual compromises, saving valuable court time. The DGP and Director General of Police praised and encouraged the police for their collaborative efforts.
Dhatri Mehta, a 21-year-old woman from Assam, has scored 99.99 percentile in CAT 2024, alongside another female candidate. Overall, 14 candidates have scored 100 percentile, of which only one is a woman. The provisional answer keys for CAT 2024 were released on December 3, and no changes were made after objections were raised. Experts predict that this year's exam was easier and expect a higher cut-off. A total of 2.93 lakh candidates appeared for CAT 2024, out of which 1.07 lakh were women and 1.86 lakh were men.
A terrible accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway in India resulted in a fiery collision between a gas tanker and a truck, claiming the lives of 13 individuals and injuring over 35 others. The incident occurred on Friday morning and the toll continues to rise as more people succumb to their burn injuries. The massive explosion and fire were triggered when the LPG tanker collided with the truck, leaving behind charred vehicles at the scene.
Renewable energy initiatives are making a significant impact in rural communities, particularly for women. In many regions, women's access to economic opportunities and education is hindered by a lack of reliable electricity. However, solar energy is now emerging as a game-changer, providing clean, affordable, and sustainable power to empower women and transform their lives. Solar energy skill development programs are also emerging, providing women with access to a range of solar-related jobs and allowing them to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By introducing solar-powered equipment, women can also save time and effort in performing daily tasks and generate income efficiently through solar-powered businesses.
The National Trust of Guernsey has received a generous donation of two acres of land on the south coast cliffs, which could become a thriving wildlife haven. The land, currently overgrown with brambles and bracken, will be cleared to encourage the growth of wildflowers and insect life. This donation is crucial for the Trust, as they do not have the resources to purchase land and rely on generous donations to preserve natural beauty on the island.
A catastrophic accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway has taken the lives of 11 people and left 35 injured after a collision between a LPG tanker and a truck caused a fiery explosion. The fire engulfed over 37 vehicles including a sleeper bus with 34 passengers on board, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The tragedy has left many families devastated and efforts are being made to provide immediate medical care to the injured.
A tragic accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan resulted in a massive fire that claimed the lives of 12 individuals and left 30 injured. The fire reportedly started when a truck collided with an LPG tanker and spread to more than 20 vehicles and a nearby pipe factory. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the highway remains closed. The cause of the accident is currently unclear and investigations are still ongoing.
Learn from the gardening experts on how to properly prune your lavender plants to keep them looking beautiful and healthy. Pruning not only helps maintain the plant's appearance, but also promotes its numerous therapeutic benefits. With the right techniques and timing, you can give your lavender the TLC it needs to thrive and be picture-perfect all year round. Plus, with minimal tools required, it's a simple and rewarding task for all gardeners.