Inmates from Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad, close to Mahatma Gandhi’s Ashram and where Gandhi himself was imprisoned for a few days in 1922, are not who you would probably expect to be fed by. But if you find yourself in Ahmedabad even for just a few days it is definitely something you need to try.
Started by an inmate in 1998, Sabarmati Jail Bhajiya House is incredibly popular amongst locals. Run by Sabarmati Jail Authorities and its prisoners, the delicious snacks are served at affordable prices to up to 1500 people every day.
The bhajiya are prepared and sold by prisoners themselves. Magchi, a prisoner from Sabarmati jail says, “Here my identity is not of an offender but of a cook. We serve up to 1500 people every day which is satisfying. Our Methi (Fenugreek Leaves) Bhajiya are the best in the city.”
The delicious bhajiya from Sabarmati Jail Bhajiya House in Ahmedabad, India.
Inmates earn a daily wage from working at the Jail Bhajiya House, which they use for personal expenses and to support their families.
The bhajiya are made and sold by Sabarmati Jail prisoners to help them support their families and reintegrate with society.
Sabarmati Jail is known for its work on reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, with a number of organisations, including Art of Living, Bharat Sevashram Sangh, and Shrimad Rajchandra Mission working with the jail to provide various activities for prisoners.
Jail Bhajiya House is just one example of the way the jail is trying to help the prisoners.
At the Jail Bhajiya House, the delicious snacks are not the only thing on offer- you can also pick up some handicraft items and things like bed sheets and handbags.
If you do visit the Jail Bhajya House, one thing you should definitely not miss is the incredible apple juice, which is free from sugar or preservatives, and really helps cool your mouth if you find the food a little spicy!
Address: Jail Bhajiya House, Sastri Nagar, Hridaya Kunj, Old Wadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027
