Local police official Shivendra Yadav says the crowded boat was carrying 60-70 people traveling to a temple for a religious function.[break] The vessel, which was meant to carry about 30 passengers, capsized midstream early Monday morning.
About 25 people managed to swim to safety.
Yadav says rescuers have recovered 12 bodies so far and are still working in the area.
The incident took place in Ballia, 250 miles (400 kilometers) southeast of Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh state.
UN: 90 migrants feared drowned after boat capsizes off Libya