The atmosphere of Navratri prevails in the Bhairavagarh prison in Ujjain: drums sound, dandiya beats, and worship of Goddess Durga takes place. At first glance, it resembles an ordinary Garba fair, but there is a peculiarity here: among the Garba participants are male inmates dressed in women's attire. Some are wearing traditional outfits, while others participate in the dance adorned.
This event is not taking place in an open area, but in the central Bhairavagarh prison in Madhya Pradesh state. A video of this event, which occurred during Navratri, went viral on social media, raising questions from the public: why are male inmates dancing Garba in women's clothes in prison? Is this done of their own free will, and what does the prison administration say about it?
First, let's consider the perspective of the prison administration. A statue of Goddess Durga was installed in Bhairavagarh prison for Navratri. According to the administration's statement, religious and cultural events are held for inmates annually. These programs take place in the evening for about an hour. During these events, inmates engage in Garba.
Prison Superintendent Manoj Sahu reported that about 20-25 inmates have been studying Garba for a year. These inmates present Garba at prison events. Among them are also male inmates who prepare in women's attire for the dance. The administration explained this as part of a regular cultural program, meaning it is not a spontaneous event; the inmates learn Garba and perform during Navratri.
Not only male inmates celebrate Navratri. According to the prison superintendent, a statue of Goddess Durga has also been installed in the women's wing, where female inmates perform prayers. Both male and female inmates observed a fast during Navratri. Holding religious events inside the prison itself is not unusual. However, this time the discussion is not about the worship or Garba itself, but about the performance of male inmates in women's costumes.
After the video appeared on social media, various comments emerged. Some viewed it as part of the cultural program, while others questioned the reason for dressing male inmates as women to perform Garba. The prison administration insists that the inmates study Garba and participate in cultural events. Garba during Navratri is a popular way to worship Goddess Durga. People across different parts of the country dance Garba and Dandiya in traditional attire.