Koppal Undertrial Prisoners Skip a Meal to Donate Grains for Community Feast
The Gavimath Jatre, one of the most prominent religious celebrations in North Karnataka, draws lakhs of devotees from across the state and beyond
Koppal: In a heartwarming act of compassion, undertrial prisoners lodged at the Koppal District Prison voluntarily skipped one breakfast and donated food grains to the Mahadasoha (community feast) organised as part of the annual Gavimath Jatre.
The Gavimath Jatre, one of the most prominent religious celebrations in North Karnataka, draws lakhs of devotees from across the state and beyond. A key highlight of the festival is the Mahadasoha, which provides free meals to people from all walks of life. Traditionally, contributions come from farmers, daily-wage labourers, traders and philanthropists in the form of money, food grains, vegetables and firewood.
This year, adding a rare and moving chapter to the tradition, undertrial inmates of the district prison came forward to contribute on their own. On January 2, all 135 inmates unanimously decided to forgo their morning meal and donate the saved food grains. As a result, they contributed 30 kg of wheat flour and 50 kg of rice, which were formally handed over on January 4.
The initiative, prison officials said, was entirely driven by the inmates. “We had no role in this decision. They themselves resolved to donate and convinced us to permit it. More than the quantity, it is the intention and thought process that matter,” said in-charge Superintendent of the District Prison, Ambarish S. Pujar.
The gesture is believed to have been inspired by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of Gavimath, who visited the district prison on October 17, 2025, under the Parivartane (transformation) programme. During his interaction with inmates, the seer spoke about inner change and offered words of reassurance, which reportedly left a deep impact on them.
Every year, as prisoners are unable to attend the jatre, Mahaprasada is sent to the jail on the seer’s instructions. This year, however, the inmates themselves chose to contribute whatever little they could.
Notably, the act transcended religious, social and age barriers, with inmates from different communities, including Hindus and Muslims, and accused in various cases participating together. Before handing over the grains, the inmates performed a simple puja within the prison premises and submitted the offerings as kanike to be sent to Gavimath.
