Palamu Karam Festival Tragedy: 5 People Drown During Karam Dali Immersion in Jharkhand River

Tragedy struck Jharkhand’s Palamu district when five people drowned in a local river during the ceremonial immersion of the Karam dali (branch of the Karam tree) following the tribal Karam festival, police reported. The incident took place as local devotees assembled at the riverbank to complete the ritualistic immersion associated with the annual nature-worshiping festival. According to police officials, the victims slipped into deep water while attempting to perform the immersion rituals, resulting in quick drowning before bystanders could safely rescue them.

Emergency responders and local authorities rushed to the scene immediately after being alerted by witnesses. Search and recovery operations were launched alongside help from local divers and residents, leading to the retrieval of the bodies. Police confirmed that the bodies have been sent for post-mortem analysis and formal identification. Ambala Borewell Tragedy: 4-Year-Old Boy Dies After 220 ft Fall; Video Shows Drowning Due to Water Leak.

The regional administration has initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances of the incident, including whether deep river pits or unexpected currents contributed to the tragedy. Local officials expressed condolences to the grieving families and appealed to the public to exercise caution near water bodies during festival immersions. Pune Shocker: 24-Year-Old Youth Drowns in Pavana Dam During Picnic With Friends.

Karam (or Karma) Puja is a prominent festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across Jharkhand and surrounding tribal belts. Dedicated to nature, prosperity, and sibling bonds, the festival concludes with youth carrying the sacred Karam dali to nearby streams, rivers, or ponds for ceremonial immersion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 11:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).