Bihar while taking holy dips in rivers and ponds during the 'Jivitputrika' festival in the state on Wednesday.

At least 46 people, including 37 children, have drowned while celebrating a Hindu festival in eastern India, a local government official told AFP on Thursday.

At least 46 people - including 37 children and seven women - drowned while celebrating a Hindu religious festival in eastern India, local officials said. The fatalities were confirmed across 15 districts in the past 24 hours.

At least 46 died in a ceremony that involves bathing in local rivers and streams in Bihar State, where recent rains had raised water levels.

At least 43 people, including 37 children, drowned in rivers and ponds across India's eastern state of Bihar during a three-day Hindu festival, authorities said on Thursday. The devotees performed holy dips on Wednesday for Jivitputrika,