Inmates prepare sweets, idols for Diwali at Tihar Jail

They might be locked up behind iron bars but that has not affected the festive spirit of the prisoners at South Asia largest jail in Delhi — Tihar Jail. They are getting ready to celebrate Diwali with all fervour.

For the first time, Tihar inmates have also been preparing idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh which will be sold outside at various TJ outlets.

“Every festival is celebrated with equal fervour in Tihar prison,” Sunil Gupta, Tihar jail spokesperson told Deccan Herald.

Away from their loved ones and families, inmates of the Tihar Jail will celebrate Diwali by preparing candles and sweets and having special food.

“The sweets and candles made by them will be distributed among them and will also be sold outside also. They will light the candles during Diwali evening but no fire crackers will be allowed due to security reasons,” Gupta said.

“This Diwali, apart from the routine distribution of sweets and special food, we are also conducting discourses on Diwali and the significance of the festival,” said Gupta.

This year, Tihar has rolled out a wide range of cookies, naan khatai and namkeen (savouries) and decoration pieces in a special Diwali gift pack.

With ‘TJ’s Celebrations’ inscribed on it, the gift pack is available in four varieties. TJ’s Diwali packets are available at all shopping complexes, in retail shopping chains such as Reliance and Big Bazaar and other stores.

The jail authorities are hopeful that the quality and hygiene of TJ’s products would give them an added advantage as quality control is strictly enforced.

“We are very strict with the quality requirements of the items we make. Special attention is given to hygienic conditions in the kitchen,” said Gupta.

Apart from the goodies, the prison inmates have also come out with colourful candles and diyas and idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh.