Nagpur: The high walls of Nagpur Central Jail echoed with laughter and festivity on Monday as the Mehndi Festival, organised under the Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav Committee as part of Sharad Utsav celebrations, brought rare moments of happiness to women inmates.

The prison courtyard turned into a vibrant space of colour and culture as beautiful mehndi designs were drawn on the hands of 680 women inmates, officers, and staff members — symbolising joy, creativity, and a renewed sense of belonging.

The event was graced by Kanchan Gadkari, president of Sanskar Bharti, who also inaugurated an exhibition-cum-sale centre showcasing various products crafted by inmates, alongside a Diwali fair aimed at promoting self-reliance and rehabilitation.

Jail Superintendent Vaibhav Aage highlighted the reformative value of such initiatives, saying, “Festivals like these give inmates an opportunity to reconnect with society, rediscover their creativity, and find positivity during their reformation journey.”

The event also witnessed participation from Assistant Superintendent Deepa Aage, Prof. Anil Sole, Jaiprakash Gupta, Prof. Rajesh Bagdi, Avinash Ghushe, Nishant Gandhi, Divya Dhurde, and Manisha Kashikar. Mehndi artist Sunita Dhote and her team contributed significantly to the festival’s success.

Applauding the initiative, Kanchan Gadkari said the committee’s effort reflects a “sensitive and inspiring approach toward women’s empowerment.”

As part of the Sharad Utsav celebrations, the Mehndi Festival was also organised across six assembly constituencies in Nagpur, where over 71,000 women applied mehndi at 668 locations, marking a colourful and empowering culmination to the citywide cultural festivity.