Three Devotees Drown During Arghya Ritual; One Child’s Body Recovered, Two Still Missing
Key Points:
- Three devotees drown at Vishwas Bhatta river ghat during evening arghya
- Child’s body recovered by locals but could not be saved
- NDRF team and divers conducting search operation since Sunday evening
SERAIKELA/JAMSHEDPUR – A tragic drowning incident at Vishwas Bhatta river ghat in Chandil transformed Chhath festivities into mourning as three devotees drowned during evening prayers on Sunday.
Incident During Evening Arghya
The tragedy struck during Sunday evening’s arghya ritual. Devotees were offering prayers to the setting sun. Strong water currents swept three people into deeper waters.
Local residents immediately launched rescue efforts. They managed to pull out one child. However, the child could not be saved. The incident occurred at Shaharbera Vishwas Bhatta river ghat. It falls under Chandil police station area in Seraikela-Kharsawan district.
Rescue Operations Continue
Chandil police reached the spot immediately after receiving information. NDRF team was deployed for search operations. Professional divers joined the rescue mission. The search operation continued late into Sunday night.
Two people remain untraceable till now. Authorities have not yet identified the drowned victims. Moreover, the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy are being investigated.
Festive Atmosphere Turns Tragic
Thousands of lamps were lit at various ghats. Meanwhile, Vishwas Bhatta ghat witnessed scenes of utter despair. Families who came to offer prayers stood helpless. Women’s cries and children’s wails filled the atmosphere.
The devotees had gathered to perform Chhath rituals. However, the joyous occasion turned into a nightmare. Screams echoed across the ghat as tragedy unfolded. In contrast, other ghats continued with peaceful celebrations.
Administrative Response
Local administration has cordoned off the entire area. Officials have appealed to devotees to stay away. The ghat has been declared unsafe for bathing. Furthermore, authorities are monitoring other river ghats closely.
Similar incidents have occurred in Jharkhand during past Chhath festivals. Rivers witness high footfall during the four-day celebration. On the other hand, strong currents pose significant drowning risks. Water depth often increases unexpectedly at certain ghat locations.
Chhath Puja is one of Jharkhand’s most important festivals. Devotees observe rigorous fasting and offer prayers to Sun God. The festival involves taking holy dips in rivers. Besides, evening and morning arghya rituals are central to celebrations.
