3 minors drown while preparing for Chhath Puja in Patna's Mirzapur village

The incident took place in the early hours of the morning when families in Mirzapur village were gathering water for the Chhath Puja, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god. The three minors, aged between nine and twelve, slipped into the riverbank while attempting to collect water for the ceremonial offerings. Despite the quick response of nearby villagers, the children could not be rescued in time, and their bodies were later recovered by local authorities.

Chhath Puja involves a series of rituals that require participants to stand in water to offer prayers at sunrise and sunset. The festival coincides with the end of the monsoon season, a period when many rivers and ponds are swollen and currents can be unpredictable. In recent years, several similar accidents have been reported across Bihar, prompting calls for better safety measures during the festivities, especially in rural areas where supervision may be limited.

Local officials have announced compensation for the families and have urged community leaders to organize safety drills ahead of future celebrations. The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about child safety and the need for public awareness campaigns that educate families on the risks associated with water bodies during religious events. For readers across India, the incident highlights the importance of balancing cultural traditions with practical precautions to protect vulnerable members of the community.