Thousands of sisters tie tilak on prisoner brothers at Gwalior Central Jail on Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj was observed at Gwalior Central Jail on Wednesday, during Deepavali. Thousands of sisters reached the jail to apply tilak on their brothers in custody. Sisters had begun arriving from surrounding cities from early morning.

Meetings between brothers and sisters began at 7:30 am in the open jail premises. The sisters applied an auspicious tilak on their brothers' foreheads and sat with them to ask after their well-being. The jail administration had made special arrangements for the meetings. Many brothers and sisters were moved to tears.

According to the jail administration, 10,000 to 15,000 sisters are expected to meet their brothers by 4 pm. For the sisters' convenience, seating had been arranged under tents in the grounds of the open jail.

During the meetings, brothers and sisters sweetened each other's mouths with laddus made in the jail. The jail management had banned sweets and other food items from being brought in from outside. Laddus were also made for the tilak, and these could be bought only within the jail premises. Outside men were also completely barred from entering on Bhai Dooj.

A special meal was also prepared in the jail for the inmates on the occasion, with puri, vegetables and kheer. The food was cooked by other prisoners lodged in the jail.

The sisters appeared satisfied with the jail administration's arrangements. Anita, who came to apply tilak on her brother, said the jail administration had made good arrangements this time. However, she said no item from outside was allowed to be brought in. Anita bought sweets sold within the jail premises, applied the tilak on her brother and celebrated Bhai Dooj.