From Saptami to Dashami, Durga Puja celebrations are not just about pandal hopping and rituals — it’s also a time for feasting. And if people outside can enjoy sumptuous meals, why not those behind bars? The Dum Dum Central Correctional Home has arranged a festive spread for its inmates, ensuring that the joy of Puja reaches every corner, even within the prison walls.
The authorities believe sharing this festive happiness does more than just bring smiles to inmates’ faces — it uplifts their morale, boosts their confidence, and rekindles their hope of returning to society. “Durga Puja means light, joy, and togetherness. We wanted that light to reach beyond the bars so inmates can celebrate the festival happily,” said Dum Dum Correctional Home Superintendent Suprakash Roy.
This year, the inmates themselves have decorated their Puja pandal with thrown-away plastic cups and plates. Like every year, Durga Puja is being celebrated in full swing with active participation from both inmates and prison staff.
Funding for the meals comes partly from the inmates’ own weekly savings. For instance, when they skip eating their allotted fish in a week, it is saved for the Puja feast. The remaining costs are covered by the correctional authorities.
Special menus have been planned for all four days — from Saptami to Dashami — catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian inmates.
Menu Highlights:
- Saptami Lunch: Rice, masoor dal, cabbage curry, boiled egg, and chicken curry.
- Dinner: Rice, masoor dal, potol-alu-chingri (pointed gourd, potato & prawn curry) or jhinge-alu-posto (ridge gourd, potato & poppy seed curry).
- Ashtami Breakfast: Luchi and cholar dal.
- Lunch: Moong dal khichuri, mixed vegetables, chutney, papad.
- Dinner: Veg pulao, alur dom, and rasgulla.
- Navami Breakfast: Ghugni and sweets.
- Lunch: Katla fish kalia and dhokar dalna.
- Dinner: Roti and egg curry.
- Dashami Breakfast: Paratha and alur dom.
- Lunch: Cabbage with fish head and mutton curry.
- Dinner: Egg and potato curry with sweets.
Correctional department officials stated that such initiatives are not only good for inmates’ mental well-being but also play a significant role in their rehabilitation process.
