Forty-seven inmates at the Raigarh District Jail are set to observe fasts during the Sharadiya Navratri festival. These include 40 male and 7 female inmates. District Jail Superintendent G.S. Shori reported that 47 inmates out of a total of 800 have decided to participate in the Navratri fasts. To support the inmates’ devotion, the jail administration has made special arrangements. Thirty inmates will observe the fast for the entire nine days, while 17 will fast on selected days. They have been provided with separate barracks to perform their religious rituals and bhajans peacefully. Their dietary needs will be met through the provision of fruits instead of regular meals. The jail administration has provided worship materials, arrangements for Kalash installation, and instruments for devotional singing. The jail has been cleaned and prepared to provide a religious environment for the inmates. The jail management aims to respect the religious beliefs of inmates and promote rehabilitation. According to Superintendent Shori, such religious activities create a positive environment and promote self-reflection that aids in their rehabilitation.
