A solemn cloud descended over the joyous Chhath Puja celebrations in Jharkhand's Sahibganj district when a routine ritual turned tragic on Monday. Three devotees, while performing their religious bath in the Ganga river, were swept away by strong currents, resulting in two confirmed fatalities and one person still missing.
The Fateful Incident
The tragedy unfolded at the Ganga Ghat in Sahibganj district where numerous devotees had gathered for the sacred Chhath Puja rituals. According to local authorities, the three victims were part of a larger group performing the traditional 'arghya' offering to the setting sun when the strong river currents overpowered them.
Eyewitnesses reported that the victims struggled against the powerful flow of the river before being dragged underwater. The sudden nature of the incident created panic among other worshippers present at the ghat.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Local police and disaster response teams immediately launched a massive rescue operation upon receiving information about the incident. After hours of intensive search efforts, rescue teams managed to recover the bodies of two victims from the river.
The deceased have been identified as local residents who had come to participate in the important Hindu festival. Their bodies have been sent for postmortem examination as authorities continue their search for the third missing devotee.
Community in Mourning
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations in the region. Local community leaders have expressed their grief and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
"This is a devastating incident that has left our community heartbroken," said a local resident. "These devotees came to seek blessings and met with such a tragic end. Our prayers are with the families."
Safety Concerns During Festivals
This unfortunate event has raised serious questions about safety measures at river ghats during major religious festivals. Despite the presence of numerous devotees, the strong currents proved fatal for the worshippers.
Local authorities have urged devotees to exercise extreme caution while performing rituals in rivers and water bodies, especially during peak festival seasons when water currents can be unpredictable and dangerous.
The search operation for the missing devotee continues as the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking tragedy during what should have been a time of celebration and devotion.
