By Deena Bandhu dasa

On the 23rd of August, one day before Janmastami, the prisoners of the Agra Central Jail presented a wonderful program in honor of Lord Krishna’s Appearance. After greeting the the devotees with garlands, headed by our Prison Preaching incharge, Jankinath, the prisoners escorted the devotees with their own kirtan party to the stage set up in the large field in the middle of the jail. There they had set up a wonderful stage for the Janmastami celebrations.

To inaugurate the festivities, the jail bhajan group very enthusiastically sang famous Krishna Janmastami bhajans for the pleasure of all. A group of prisoners had organized a small drama troupe and they presented the story of Sudama Brahmana approaching his old friend Krishna in Dvaraka. It was really amazing to see how they put on this play without any professional experience, but everyone was deeply moved by the performance.

Next our devotees sang some beautiful bhajans as the prisoners sang along. Then came the event that everyone was waiting for. The devotees got everyone to stand up and began kirtan. Almost three thousand inmates were dancing in ecstasy and the Chief Jailer was so inspired, he began dancing in the midst of the prisoners!

Finally Prasadam was distributed to 2,600 prisoners and staff. Almost all the media of Agra came and recorded program which was broadcast later in the evening and on Janmastami day.

In service of Srimati Vrinda Devi, Deena Bandhu dasa

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