On Saturday (April 6), amidst the devout gathering of Sanatana devotees at Cox's Bazar beach to observe the Madhu Krishna Troyodashi Tithi, a solemn ritual turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy as 15-year-old Joy Sharma lost his life in a drowning incident. The event, marked by spiritual significance and fervent prayers, took a devastating turn when Joy was swept away by a powerful wave while bathing at Baruni Bath, Kavita Chatwar Point.

The incident occurred around noon at Kavita Chatwar Point, sending shockwaves throughout the community and leaving Joy's family, friends, and fellow pilgrims grief-stricken. Joy, a resident of the Baidyaghona area in ward number 8 of Cox's Bazar city, was a diligent student at Cox's Bazar Municipal Preparatory School, where he was in the eighth grade.

According to eyewitness accounts, Joy had joined his friends for the customary bathing ritual, as thousands of devotees gathered at the designated spot to seek blessings and honor the souls of their departed loved ones. However, tragedy struck when a sudden and powerful wave engulfed Joy, dragging him beneath the water's surface.

Joy's friend, Marsh Das, recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that despite their frantic efforts to locate and rescue him, the formidable force of the wave proved insurmountable. After an exhaustive search, Joy was retrieved from the water and promptly rushed to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Joy Sharma was pronounced dead upon arrival, leaving his family and community devastated by the loss.

Amidst the sorrow and anguish, questions have been raised regarding the safety measures in place during the pilgrimage. Pilgrim Mishu Gupta, reflecting on the tragedy, expressed concern over the lack of security arrangements for the multitude of devotees gathered at the beach. With over 100,000 people in attendance, Mishu Gupta emphasized the need for improved safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

As the community mourns the untimely loss of Joy Sharma, his parents, Father Bimal Sharma and Mother Shilpi Sharma, are overwhelmed with grief. Their cherished son's tragic demise has left an irreparable void in their lives, with their families and loved ones joining in collective mourning.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with religious pilgrimages, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures to safeguard the lives of devotees participating in such sacred rituals.