Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Saharsa (Bihar), Oct. 29 : Six boys drowned on Tuesday in a village pond, during
the preparations of 'Chhath puja', wherein the Sun god is worshipped.
12 children, aged between 10 and 12 years, unaccompanied by any guardians
had entered the pond in Saharsa village to clean the banks, which is a common practice
during the festival.
Out of the 12 children, six drowned and two are missing while remaining others
managed to get out of the pond.
"This matter is being investigated. According to preliminary investigations, the
children drowned during preparations for Chhath puja. The exact picture of events will
emerge only after the investigation is complete,"
The Chhath is celebrated on the sixth and seventh days, after Diwali, the festival
of lights. It is significant for married women who observe a three-day fast and standing in
waist-deep river waters, present religious offerings to the Sun God.
Chhath is considered an extremely auspicious festival by the people of Bihar and
in parts of neighbouring northern Uttar Pradesh state.
The festival has gained popularity in metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Pune and
Mumbai, where large numbers of migrants from the states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh go
in search of a living. more >>
