Maha Kumbh Sees Wave Of Humanity: UP's Muslims To The Rescue Of Stranded Hindu Devotees
In the aftermath of the Maha Kumbh stampede, scores of devotees were stuck, with buses and even private vehicles stuck on highways
In an extraordinary display of faith in humanity over religion, the Muslim community in Uttar Pradesh opened the doors of its mosques, madrasas, imambaras, and even homes to the Hindu devotees stranded after the Maha Kumbh stampede on January 29. Volunteers set up relief stations, offering food, water, and warm blankets to those in need.
The stampede erupted in the mela area during the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya. The tragedy claimed around 30 lives and left many others injured.
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In the aftermath of the stampede, scores of devotees were stuck, with buses and even private vehicles stuck on highways. Ramnath Tiwari, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh, said, “We were exhausted and helpless."
As the word spread, Muslim families from neighbourhoods such as Nakhas Kohna, Roshan Bagh, Himmatganj, Khuldabad, Rani Mandi, and Shahganj opened their doors. Mosques such as Khuldabad Sabzi Mandi Masjid, Bada Tajia Imambara, and Chowk Masjid quickly became shelters for the night. Community kitchens were set up within hours, serving tea, snacks, and hot meals to those who had gone hungry for hours.
“In such times, there is no Hindu or Muslim — there is only humanity," said Mohammad Irshad of Bahadur Ganj. “That night, we saw people suffering, and we did what needed to be done. We welcomed them as our guests, fed them, and made sure they were safe."
THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY
Throughout the night, volunteers worked tirelessly to accommodate as many people as possible. Women and children were given priority in mosques and homes, while makeshift sleeping arrangements were made in community halls and madrasas. Local residents even set up roadside counters to distribute water, biscuits, and blankets.
“Everyone rushed to do their part," said Raza Abbas Zaidi, a primary school teacher from Nakhas Kohna. “Women started cooking, men set up distribution points, and young boys helped guide stranded devotees to safe shelters. It was an unspoken understanding that we had to stand by our fellow citizens."
Even schools stepped in to provide relief. Mohammad Mehndi Gauhar Kazmi, manager of Yadgar Hussaini Inter College, turned his institution into a relief camp. “It was not planned. Seeing the suffering of people who were our guests, we acted. Thousands of people rested in our classrooms, halls, and playgrounds. We cooked khichdi and matar pulao, and continued feeding people until the last of them left on Friday afternoon," he said.
A LEGACY OF COEXISTENCE
Historically, the Maha Kumbh has been a shared experience for both Hindus and Muslims in Prayagraj. The mega spiritual event has long provided economic opportunities for Muslim traders, transporters, and daily wage workers — from boatmen ferrying pilgrims to Sangam, to artisans selling handcrafted religious souvenirs, the event has benefited both communities for generations.
However, this year was different. Calls for a boycott of Muslim participation in the Kumbh had led to their exclusion from trade and services at the event. Many Muslim shopkeepers were denied entry, while others who tried to operate discreetly faced harassment.
“We were told that we were not welcome at the Kumbh," said Mohammad Zahid, a local businessman. “Despite this, when the crisis hit, we could not ignore the suffering around us. It was our duty to help."
“Earlier, we would ferry pilgrims to the Sangam, sometimes even for free," said Akhtar Ali, an auto driver.
COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS
“Faith and humanity should never be compromised," said Mohammad Khalid, a resident of Khuldabad. “These devotees were guests in our city, and it was our duty to help them."
Pictures and videos that surfaced on social media showed Muslim volunteers distributing food, offering medical aid, and guiding lost devotees. At Jama Masjid in Chowk, a team of young men set up a medical assistance booth, where doctors like Dr. Naz Fatima provided free treatment to injured pilgrims. “This is a moment of crisis," she said. “Our duty is to serve humanity first."
“We did what any human being should do," said Masood Ahmed, a school teacher from Chowk. “Hindus were following their faith at the Kumbh, and we were following ours by helping those in need. This was not about religion; it was about standing together as one."
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