Two sisters from Chakahari village under Jaleswar police limits in Balasore district were swept away by strong currents in the Subarnarekha River while performing Rakhi Purnima religious rituals.
The incident occurred at Sikharpur Ghat, where around 100–150 Kaudias had gathered to collect holy water for Lord Shiva on the concluding day of the sacred Shravan month. As part of the ritual, the sisters entered the river for a ceremonial dip but were caught in a sudden surge of water. Three others were also swept away but were rescued by fellow devotees.
Local authorities, including two Fire Services teams and an ODRAF unit, launched an intensive search operation to locate the missing sisters. Jaleswar SDPO confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing.
This tragedy has cast a pall over the festive spirit of Rakhi Purnima, reminding communities of the unpredictable dangers posed by natural water bodies during seasonal rituals.
