Muzaffarpur : Chhath Puja celebrations extended beyond the prison walls at Shaheed Khudiram Bose Central Jail in Muzaffarpur, where 98 male and female inmates observed Kharna on Saturday with devotion and religious fervour.
The jail administration shared photographs and videos of the celebrations, showing inmates participating in the ritual and preparing the traditional Kharna prasad inside the prison premises.
One of the notable aspects of this year’s observance was the participation of a Muslim woman serving a 20-year prison sentence. The woman, a resident of the Town police station area in Muzaffarpur district, also observed the Chhath fast with faith and devotion.
Special Arrangements Made For Inmates Observing Chhath
The jail administration made special arrangements for all 98 male and female inmates observing the festival to ensure they could complete the rituals without difficulty.
The inmates prepared Kharna prasad according to traditional customs. In the evening, they offered the prasad to the Sun God before consuming it as part of the ritual.
The administration said the festival had generated enthusiasm and positive energy among the inmates.
36-Hour Waterless Fast Begins After Kharna
With the completion of Kharna, the inmates observing Chhath have begun the 36-hour fast without food and water, which forms a significant part of the festival.
The fast will continue through the evening offering to the setting Sun and the following morning’s prayers to the rising Sun.
The observance inside Muzaffarpur Central Jail reflects how Chhath’s religious traditions are being followed by inmates irrespective of their circumstances.
