Chhath ushers festive fervour, communal harmony in Bihar jails

Prisoners in different correctional homes across Bihar are making arrangements for celebration of the Chhath festival tomorrow.
In 59 jails spread across the state, prisoners cutting across religious beliefs are participating in preparations for the rituals dedicated to the Sun god with prison authorities extending all help to them.
"This time two Muslim women inmates - Jaibunnisa and Nafra Khatoon - are among the 103 people who are observing Chhath. This has strengthened the bond of communal harmony. Prisoners of all communities are helping each other on the occasion," Jitendra Kumar, Superintendent of Khudiram Bose Central Jail in Muzaffarpur told PTI.

At Mothihari Central Jail, 102 inmates - 51 men and an equal number of women - are observing the festival. Two Muslim inmates - Amrunnisa and Shahana Khatoon - are also taking part in it. The rest 2,371 inmates are on their toes to provide help to them.
"Chhath demands a very high level of purity and hygiene. All our inmates, be they Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs, have happily taken part in cleaning and decorating the premises. There is a complete change in the environment. It doesn't look like a jail at all," said Motihari Central Jail Superintendent Rupak Kumar.