Prayagraj: Tulsi mala crafted by inmates of Kaushambi district jail have found buyers in temple towns across Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura and Prayagraj.The mala, made from Shyama tulsi grown inside the jail campus, drew significant attention during the 2026 Magh Mela, leading to a surge in demand. Following the response, orders have started pouring in from different parts of the state, prompting a group of 10–12 inmates to work overtime to meet requirements. Jail superintendent Ajitesh Mishra told TOI that: “Shyama tulsi is cultivated on nearly three acres of jail land. Inmates are making different shapes of mala using tulsi. Earlier they would shape each bead manually after drying the roots, stems and twigs, drilling holes and threading them. Now, they are using two machines to speed up production.” According to Mishra, the process begins with collection of raw material, which is then cut into uniform pieces before being shaped into beads. The jail has ample tulsi plants, and the inmates engaged in the activity often train others as well, helping them learn the craft. Mishra said jail authorities scaled up production after noticing inmates making mala inside their barracks. Stalls were also set up for sales, enabling inmates to earn from the initiative. “They are showcasing creativity through this work. Many of them spend five to six hours daily making tulsi mala,” he added. A senior jail official said the artwork has brought about a visible change in the inmates’ behaviour. “They should feel motivated and become better individuals after their release. Their personality and approach have changed drastically since they took up this work,” he said.
