Mother's statue installed in Dirg prison during Navratri; morning and evening aartis are held

A unique scene of religious faith is observed at the Central Prison in Dirg, Chhattisgarh state, during the Sharadiya Navratri festival. 362 inmates serving time behind bars observe a fast in reverence to the Mother. Among them are 332 male and 30 female inmates. Some observe the fast for nine days, while others have decided to fast for only three days.

An atmosphere of reverence prevails within the prison grounds due to the installation of pots (kalashas), morning and evening aartis, and the singing of bhajans. During Navratri, the inmates worship the Mother, performing Chattisgarhi songs (jasgit) accompanied by the sounds of flutes (dholak), jhanda, and manjira. From early morning, the aroma of incense and sandalwood fills the premises, along with shouts of praise to the Goddess. The inmates have installed a statue of the Mother inside the prison. Both male and female inmates participate in the religious rituals and worship with deep respect.

Manish Sambhakar, Director of the Central Prison in Dirg, reported that the Navratri festival is being celebrated in the prison with complete faith. The inmate brothers and sisters are observing the fast with devotion. Some are observing the fast for nine days, while some have decided to fast for three days. This year, 362 inmates observed the fast: 332 men and 30 women.

According to the prison director Manish Sambhakar, the inmates have installed a statue of the Mother inside the prison. Morning and evening aartis are being conducted here. Male inmates sing jasgit and bhajans in honor of the Mother. Female inmates also engage in worship and prayers on the premises. The inmates participate in these events with complete dedication.

Throughout these nine days of Navratri, the echo of religious songs and praises to the Mother resonates throughout the prison area. Traditional jasgit, performed to the rhythms of dholak and manjira, make this event special. This religious activity serves as a means to promote spiritual peace and positive thinking among the incarcerated individuals. This event also instills hope for self-reflection and improvement in the lives of those serving sentences.

The prison administration has organized food (phalahar) for the inmates observing the fast. Prison Director Manish Sambhakar stated that male and female inmates observing the fast are provided with fruits, milk, sabudana, peanuts, and sugar. The aim is to take care of their nutritional needs during the fast. The administration supports this event by respecting the faith of the inmates and providing the opportunity to perform worship according to religious rules during Navratri through collective aartis, bhajans, and jasgit, creating a reverent atmosphere inside the prison. These religious activities at the Central Prison in Dirg are related not only to worship but also to the mental health and positive thinking of the inmates. Collective devotion helps reduce stress, maintain calm, and provides an opportunity for self-reflection. This scene, presented at the Central Prison in Dirg during Navratri, shows that even in difficult circumstances, faith can inspire people toward hope and a better life.