At least 46 people – including 37 children and seven women – have drowned while taking part in a Hindu religious festival in eastern India, local officials say.
Deaths were confirmed in 15 districts in the past 24 hours.
A disaster management official said the victims died while taking a ritual bath in rivers and ponds submerged by recent floods.
The three-day Jivitputrika festival celebrates the well-being of children every year and is also marked by mothers fasting and praying for their children.
Officials in Bihar said many people ignored dangerous water levels in rivers while bathing to celebrate the festival.
There are fears that the death toll could rise further.
The state government said the families and relatives of the victims will receive compensation.
Several fatal accidents have occurred across India during major festivals when crowds gather in tight spaces without following many safety measures.
In July, At least 121 people were killed. during a stampede at a religious ceremony in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
In 2018, nearly 60 people died after a train crashed into a crowd watching the Dusshera festival, a Hindu festival.
