In an unprecedented initiative, approximately 90,000 inmates across 75 prisons in Uttar Pradesh were granted the opportunity to partake in the sacred ritual of the Mahakumbh Mela. Recognizing that incarcerated individuals are unable to attend the event in person, the Uttar Pradesh jail administration arranged for holy water from the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to be transported to various correctional facilities, including those in Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Aligarh.
The Mahakumbh Mela, a significant Hindu festival held every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual purification through a ritualistic dip in the holy waters. This year, the festival commenced on January 13 and is scheduled to conclude on February 26.
On February 21, between 9:30 am and 10:00 am, the sacred water was ceremoniously mixed with regular water in designated tanks within each prison, allowing inmates to perform the holy bath and offer prayers. This initiative aimed to provide spiritual solace and a sense of inclusion to those confined within prison walls.
Dara Singh Chauhan, Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of Prisons, attended the event in Lucknow and highlighted the uniqueness of the program. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is the first state to implement such an initiative, acknowledging the inmates’ desire to participate in the Mahakumbh’s spiritual practices despite their incarceration. Chauhan stated, “The people outside can go there anytime, but those who are imprisoned, despite their faith, have a compulsion that they cannot get out of the four walls.”
In Aligarh, visuals captured inmates carrying earthen pots filled with the sanctified water, symbolizing their active participation in the ritual. Jail Superintendent Brijendra Singh Yadav noted the enthusiasm among inmates of various faiths, including Muslim prisoners, who eagerly took part in the ‘snan parv’ (bath festival). He remarked, “Even Muslim inmates are excitedly taking part in the ‘snan parv’.”
Similarly, in Ayodhya, Prison Superintendent Uday Pratap Mishra reported that all 757 inmates participated in the ceremonial bath. He observed that the collective participation transcended individual differences, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual rejuvenation among the prisoners. Mishra commented, “All the inmates of the jail took ‘snan’ with the water brought from the Maha Kumbh… they took ‘snan’ with the intention of purifying their minds.”
The Mahakumbh Mela has witnessed massive gatherings this year, with millions of devotees converging at the Triveni Sangam for the ritualistic dip. The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented stringent security measures to manage the influx of pilgrims and ensure their safety. On Paush Purnima, the festival’s commencement day, approximately 1.5 crore devotees took the holy dip, marking a significant turnout.
This initiative by the Uttar Pradesh jail administration reflects a progressive approach towards inmate welfare, recognizing the importance of spiritual well-being alongside physical confinement. By facilitating participation in such revered traditions, the administration aims to promote rehabilitation and a sense of community among the incarcerated population.
