February 19, 2025: In a unique initiative, the Uttar Pradesh jail administration is making special arrangements to bring holy water from Prayagraj’s Sangam to 75 jails across the state, enabling inmates to participate in the sacred Maha Kumbh.

According to the Office of UP Jail Minister Dara Singh Chauhan, the programme will be conducted on February 21, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, across all participating jails. Over 90,000 inmates, including those in seven central prisons, are expected to take part in the ritual.

Director General (DG) of Prisons PV Ramasastry stated that the initiative is being undertaken under the supervision of the jail minister. Holy water from the Sangam will be transported to all jails, mixed with regular water, and stored in tanks within the jail premises. The prisoners will perform prayers before taking the ritualistic bath.

Minister Chauhan, along with senior jail officials, is expected to attend the event at Lucknow Jail.

In Gorakhpur District Jail, jailor AK Kushwaha confirmed that a prison guard, Arun Maurya, has been sent to collect the holy water from Prayagraj. Similarly, Rang Bahadur, Senior Superintendent of Prayagraj’s Naini Central Jail, assured that arrangements are in place for the ritual on the scheduled day.

At Prayagraj District Jail, Senior Superintendent Amita Dubey revealed that 1,350 inmates are eager to take part in the ‘snan’ (holy bath), allowing them to spiritually connect with the Maha Kumbh despite their confinement.

Meanwhile, Unnao Jail conducted a similar programme on February 17 for its inmates. Superintendent Pankaj Kumar Singh noted that the initiative had been in consideration for some time and will be repeated on February 21 for another opportunity.

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj will conclude on February 26, marking the end of one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.