Jammu prison inmates make candles for Diwali

Jammu/Pune, Oct 15 (ANI): Inmates of the Amphala district jail in Jammu are busy these days in making candles and wax lamps for the festival of lights 'Diwali'.

The inmates, many of them former militants, are now working day and night to prepare different varieties of candles.

The jail authorities had started a small candle-making unit 'Roshini' inside the jail premises to help the inmates gain technical know-how or learn skills to enable them to earn their livelihood without depending on others, once freed.

"We are learning so many things here basically we are involved in candle making process. This will definitely help me to settle if I will manage to go outside ever. It will help me earn my livelihood with respect. It has also made me realise of what I have done, and making these candles has helped me overcome my anger. With the help of these candles, we want to send a message to society that we have changed," said Abid Khan, an inmate.

Meanwhile, in Pune, ushering in Diwali, hundreds of residents lighted up 100, 000 lamps at the Shaniwar Wada Mahal.

The place came alive at night as the beautiful pattern made with the lamps brightened up the place.

"Every year, we light up these lamps here. It seems as if Goddess Lakshmi herself has descended on earth," said Shilpa, a resident.

'Diwali' is celebrated to commemorate return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after completing 14 years in exile and killing demon king Ravana.

Lighting earthen lamps signifies welcoming Lord Ram to Ayodhya and victory of good over evil. (ANI)