The Hindu : Prison inmates celebrate Onam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 22, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Prison inmates celebrate Onam

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Aug. 21. In a welcome break from the bleak jail atmosphere, the Central Prison at Poojappura wore a colourful look today as inmates put their woes behind to celebrate the Onam festival.

The 1,000-odd prisoners housed in the 12 blocks of the sprawling Central Prison complex joined hands with officials to organise the traditional Kaduvakkali, Pulikali and Athapookalams on Thiruvonam day.

The prison also had two celebrity guests who imparted a touch of glamour to the entire celebrations.

The prison authorities had invited Suresh Gopi and Poornima Mohan to participate in the festivities.

Poornima Mohan was vested with the difficult task of deciding the best Athapookalam while Suresh Gopi declared the Onam feast open by gulping down some hot payasam. Balachandran, the manager of the abkari contractor, Manichan, who was convicted in the Kalluvathukkal liquor tragedy case, played the role of Maveli. "Karate'' Farooq, who was convicted in the sensational Kabeer murder case, was the prime mover behind the Athapookalam in front of his block.

The 20-odd women prisoners at the jail gave a presentation of the Thiruvathirakali.

Apart from the Onam sadya, special dishes and sweet meats were served to prisoners for breakfast as well as dinner.

The Superintendent (Central Prison), K. V. John, and the Welfare Officer, Shanawaz, were among those present.

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