SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 28: Wards of the Dhanbad jail campus have been decked up in the wake of the Chhath festival for prisoners that is beginning today with the first ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay’.
Dhanbad jail superintendent Ajay Kumar said that this time nine devotees prisoners (eight males and one female) have sought permission for performing Chhath Puja. In the past, the jail administration has made all arrangements inside the jail for them to perform and celebrate the festival of faith and health.
In 2021, a total of six prisoners (three male and three female) observed the festival. However, this year nine inmates sought permission till Thursday and the number is likely to increase at the last moment before starting Nahai–Khai ritual.
Since inmates of Dhanbad jail have been celebrating the Chhath festival every year for a long time, jail premises has been decked up so that devotee prisoners can feel the festive atmosphere and pay obeisance to the setting and rising Sun on Sunday and Monday respectively.
“Two permanent cemented ponds (10/10 size) separately for male and female devotees are already constructed inside the premises. Both the ponds have been cleaned and freshwater filled up into them so that ‘Vrati’ (devotees) can bath and stand for offering ‘Arghya’ to the setting and rising Sun both the days,” Ajay Kumar said.
“As Chhath Puja is dedicated to the god Sun for health and happiness in life, the jail administration provides all Puja material that is required by prisoners in performing worship including new Saree and dhoti besides nine types of fruits, milk, coconut, green vegetables, rice, flour, ghee, sugar, jaggery, ‘Soop’, and other baskets needed for keeping ‘Prasad’ for offering,” said the superintendent.
For maintaining sanctity, devotees have been provided with a separate cabin for this festival. Some inmates will also be associated with them for helping in preparing ‘Prasad’ and performing rituals right from the day of ‘Kharna’.
