Ludhiana, Aug. 29 -- Rakhis and family ties crossed the gates of Central Jail Ludhiana on Friday as sisters travelled from towns and villages to meet their incarcerated brothers and mark Raksha Bandhan together. For many, the festival meant a brief reunion after negotiating security checks and the restrictions of prison life.

The jail authorities made special arrangements for the occasion, allowing sisters to meet their brothers for around five to 10 minutes to tie rakhis and exchange greetings. Deputy Superintendent Balvir Singh said such arrangements are made every year to facilitate meetings between inmates and their sisters on Raksha Bandhan.

From the early hours, families arrived carrying rakhis and tilak, some having travelled con...