Patna: As many as 46 people, including 37 children, lost their lives and three others went missing while taking holy dips in various water bodies in separate incidents during the 'Jivitputrika' festival in Bihar, media reports said.

The incidents were reported across 15 districts of the state on Wednesday, according to an NDTV report.

The women fast for the well-being of their children during 'Jivitputrika' festival, and take dip with their kids in rivers or ponds.

"A total of 43 bodies have been recovered so far. Further search operation is on," a statement issued by the Disaster Management Department (DMD) said, according to the report.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives. According to a statement, the process of disbursing the compensation has already begun, with the families of eight victims having received the payment so far.

"The incidents of drowning were reported from East and West Champaran, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj and Arwal districts.