KKN Gurugram Desk |  In a heart-wrenching incident during the Ganga Dussehra festivities, three members of a family, including a young girl, drowned in the Ganga River in the Bilhaur area of Kanpur. The victims were identified as 13-year-old Priyanka Nishad, her uncle Balram Nishad (21), and her brother-in-law Sandeep Nishad (19).

Incident Details

The family had gathered at the riverbank near Kallupurwa village to perform the ‘mundan’ (tonsuring) ceremony of a child. During the ritual bathing, Priyanka ventured into deeper waters and got trapped. In an attempt to rescue her, both Balram and Sandeep entered the river but, unfortunately, neither knew how to swim. All three were pulled under by the current.

Local villagers and private divers responded swiftly. They managed to retrieve Balram and Priyanka, while additional divers were summoned to locate Sandeep. All three were transported to the Community Health Centre in Bilhaur, where they were declared brought dead.

Official Response

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Bilhaur) Amarnath Yadav confirmed the incident and stated that the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations. He emphasized the need for increased safety measures at riverbanks, especially during festivals that attract large gatherings.

Broader Context

Ganga Dussehra, a significant Hindu festival, marks the descent of the Ganga River to Earth. Devotees believe that bathing in the river on this day purifies sins and brings blessings. However, the influx of pilgrims often leads to overcrowded ghats and increased risk of accidents.

This tragic event in Kanpur underscores the importance of implementing stringent safety protocols during such festivals. Authorities are urged to deploy adequate lifeguards, install warning signs, and conduct awareness campaigns to prevent future mishaps.

The loss of three lives from a single family during a religious celebration is a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with ritual bathing in rivers. As communities come together to observe sacred traditions, ensuring the safety of all participants must remain a paramount concern.