Raksha Bandhan – Not just a festival of tying colorful threads but an occasion to symbolize the magic of love, patience, care and protectiveness in a brother-sister relationship; an occasion marked by tying an ornamental thread by a sister on her brother’s hand.

While the entire city was engrossed in the festivities, a group of women were seen waiting outside Udaipur Central Jail early this morning.

These women were waiting for gates of Jail to be opened so that they could meet their brothers who are prisoners in jail.

When the gates finally opened, they all rushed to see their brothers. “Raksha Bandhan is the only day when we can meet our brothers in jail”, said a woman dressed in traditional attire. One could see a spark in her eyes as she waited to see her brother.

Social worker Durga Naval, tying Rakhi to a prisoner

Finally, all inmates were brought in a special place made for today’s festival. Amid tight security, sisters tied rakhi to their brothers and sweetened their mouth with sweets. In return brothers gifted them with whatever they had.

This touching scene can be observed every year on Raksha Bandhan at Central Jail when for a day, a strong chain of regulation get loose over the frail thread of Rakhi.

All photos by Sohail Khan