Shimla Prisons bring ‘Holy Water therapy’ to foster inmate transformation
Shimla, March 1,
A unique move aimed at fostering spiritual well-being and moral upliftment among inmates was witnessed as the Himachal Pradesh Prisons Department has introduced holy water therapy in two jails of Shimla district. Water brought from the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj Mahakumbh by Director General of Prisons Sanjeev Ranjan Ojha was mixed into water tanks at District Jail Kaithu and Modern Central Jail Kanda, offering prisoners an opportunity for spiritual cleansing.
DG Prisons Sanjeev Ranjan Ojha, who personally undertook the pilgrimage and the ceremonial Mahakumbh bath, envisioned extending the spiritual experience to the incarcerated population. Recognizing that inmates cannot embark on such spiritual journeys, the initiative aimed to bring a semblance of the divine experience to them.
The response from inmates was overwhelming, with most participating in the ceremonial bath, a symbolic act believed to wash away sins. The occasion also saw many prisoners observing fasts and engaging in prayers, highlighting their eagerness for spiritual rejuvenation. Jail authorities reported that bhajans and kirtans echoed through the prison corridors for three hours, creating an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility.
Officials view this initiative as a step towards holistic prisoner reformation, combining moral education with spiritual practices. The Prisons Department plans to organize similar events in the future, aiming to foster positive behavioural changes and inner peace among inmates.
By integrating faith and reflection into prison life, the Himachal Pradesh Prisons Department hopes to inspire lasting personal transformation and societal reintegration for inmates.
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