The festival of Kartik Purnima started on a tragic note in Bihar with three people losing their lives in a stampede at the Simaria Ghat on Saturday morning.

As per reports, close to a dozen people were injured in the incident that occurred in Bihar’s Begusarai where hundreds had gathered to take a holy dip in the Ganges on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

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People had started gathering at the ghat for ‘Ganga Snan’ since early morning and within a few hours a huge influx of pilgrims were jostling for space at the relatively smaller ghat which ultimately triggered the stampede, reports said.

According to district police officials, the stampede was caused by some rumours.

The authorities have begun rescue operations and the injured have been rushed to hospitals, officials said.

On Kartik Purnima, devotees make offerings, perform rituals and take bath in the holy river as they believe that it will end their sufferings in life.