Sasaram/Patna: A Janmashtami celebration in Bihar’s Rohtas district ended in tragedy on Friday after a five-year-old boy died after accidentally swallowing a bead from a garland while being dressed as Lord Krishna.
The incident took place in Bhagiratha village. The boy, identified as Aryan Kumar, son of Vimlesh Yadav, was being prepared for the festival when he reportedly put a bead from a garland into his mouth unnoticed by family members.
The bead was swallowed and became lodged in his windpipe, causing severe breathing difficulties.
Doctors unable to save the child
After noticing Aryan’s deteriorating condition, his family rushed him to the Community Health Centre in Kochas.
Doctors attempted to remove the obstruction from his windpipe and tried to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. His condition remained critical and he eventually died.
Dr Ajit Kumar, who treated the boy, said the bead had become lodged in his windpipe, causing severe respiratory distress and ultimately leading to death by suffocation.
The incident left Aryan’s family devastated. His mother broke down after learning of his death, while his father reportedly fainted. Police were informed about the incident.
The tragedy cast a pall of gloom over Bhagiratha village, with neighbours gathering to offer condolences and support to the grieving family.
Janmashtami celebrations continue across Rohtas
The tragedy occurred as Rohtas observed Janmashtami with prayers and celebrations across temples and homes.
Devotees observed fasts from the morning and spent the day in prayer and bhajan-kirtan. Temples were decorated for the festival, while idols of Lord Krishna were installed and worshipped according to traditional rituals.
At several temples and homes, Bal Gopal, the infant form of Krishna, was placed in ceremonial cradles and worshipped.
Large numbers of devotees visited prominent religious sites including Tarachandi Dham, the Kali Temple on Old GT Road and Bhaluni Bhawani Dham in Dinara. Temple visits continued late into the night as devotees gathered to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.
For Aryan’s family, however, a festival meant to celebrate Krishna’s birth became a day of unimaginable grief.
