In an unprecedented move, the Uttar Pradesh jail administration is set to bring the sacred water from Prayagraj's Sangam to all 75 jails across the state, allowing inmates to experience the spiritual essence of the Mahakumbh.
This initiative, overseen by the Office of UP Jail Minister Dara Singh Chauhan, aims to provide over 90,000 prisoners an opportunity to partake in the revered ritual.
As per officials from the Prison Department, the event will take place on February 21 from 9:30 AM to 10 AM. The initiative underscores the administration's commitment to ensuring that even those behind bars can connect with their faith and traditions.
Director General (DG) of Prisons PV Ramasastry confirmed that preparations are being carried out under the supervision of the jail minister. The collected holy water will be mixed with regular water and stored in dedicated tanks within each prison. Inmates will be allowed to bathe in this sanctified water following prayers, marking their symbolic participation in the Maha Kumbh.
Minister Chauhan, along with senior jail officials, is expected to attend the ceremony at Lucknow jail. Jailor AK Kushwaha of Gorakhpur District Jail revealed that prison guard Arun Maurya has been dispatched to Prayagraj to collect the holy water from the Sangam.
Similarly, Naini Central Jail Senior Superintendent Rang Bahadur stated that the arrangements are being replicated across various facilities to ensure inmates can partake in the sacred tradition. Prayagraj District Jail Senior Superintendent Amita Dubey noted that around 1,350 prisoners have expressed enthusiasm about the ritual, eager for the chance to engage in this spiritual event despite their confinement.
The initiative has already been set in motion, with Unnao Jail leading the way by organizing a preliminary 'snan' for its inmates on February 17. Superintendent Pankaj Kumar Singh shared that the decision had been under consideration for some time and that Unnao Jail will host another bathing ritual on February 21, reinforcing the administration's dedication to prisoner welfare and spiritual upliftment.
