Ludhiana, Aug. 10 -- The heavy iron gates of Ludhiana Central Jail opened to an entirely different scene on Saturday. The occasion was Raksha Bandhan, and the air inside the high-security prison was filled with laughter, emotion, and the timeless love between brothers and sisters.

From the early hours, the visitors' area of the jail transformed into a hub of colour and warmth. Women draped in bright traditional attire stood patiently in long queues, clutching rakhis, sweets, and tilak trays. Many had travelled overnight from distant towns and villages, braving the August heat and stringent security checks, their excitement visible in every smile.

For some, the day was a long-awaited reunion. A woman, who asked not to be named, said she ...