90,000 UP inmates take holy dip with Mahakumbh water inside prison

Officials brought Mahakumbh’s holy water to 75 prisons across Uttar Pradesh, allowing 90,000 inmates to take a sacred bath. Inmates in Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Aligarh received water from Triveni Sangam, mixed with regular water and stored in tanks for the ritual.

Prisons Minister Dara Singh Chauhan attended the event in Lucknow. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh became the first state to bring holy water to prisoners. He noted that while people outside can visit the Sangam freely, inmates requested this opportunity to participate in the religious tradition.

“Prisoners wished to take part in the Mahakumbh. They wanted to bathe in the sacred waters and become full partners in Sanatan. Their wish has now been fulfilled,” Chauhan told ANI.

Visuals from Aligarh jail showed inmates carrying earthen pots filled with the sacred water. Jail Superintendent Brijendra Singh Yadav confirmed that the state government and prison administration organized the ‘snan parv’ to include those unable to attend the Mahakumbh.

“Inmates from different religions participated eagerly. Even Muslim prisoners showed enthusiasm for the ritual,” Yadav said.

In Ayodhya, Prison Superintendent Uday Pratap Mishra reported that 757 inmates took part in the ritual.

“All inmates bathed in the sacred water from Mahakumbh. They did so with the intent of purifying their minds. The jail department made this decision to include everyone,” Mishra told ANI.

Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, thousands of devotees continue to gather at the Triveni Sangam. The Mahakumbh, which began on January 13, will conclude on February 26.