16 people drowned to death in Bihar on the first day of Dussehra festival
At least 16 people drowned in Bihar, India, while collecting water for the Dussehra festival. Authorities attribute the high death toll to rising river levels caused by recent flooding.
Why it matters
Underscores the dangers posed by seasonal flooding during major cultural and religious gatherings.
Amidst Vedic chants, shlokas and conch sounds which marked the beginning of the 10-day Dussehra festival on Sunday (October 11, 2026), at least 16 people are feared to have drowned to death in Bihar when they had gone to fetch holy water from rivers for Kalash Sthapana (a sacred installation of a ceremonial pot) to offer prayers to the deity Durga.
The festival which would end on Vijayadashami , on Tuesday (October 20, 2026).
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