Social media platforms were flooded with disturbing footage of the Mahakumbh Stampede showing the human tragedy from different angles. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that millions of followers would be left without food and shelter if the transit system to the city fails. People are stuck in Prayagraj and can’t use buses, trains, or flights to return to their hometowns. Many individuals perished in the rush, and those who survived lost their everything. Many people do not even have enough money to buy costly necessities of food, water, and shelter. However, despite Muslims were warned to stay away from the Mahakumbh area, they promptly took various relief measures for the victims.
For this kind and philanthropic service to humanity, the city Muslims received a great deal of praise and admiration from notable people from all walks of life. Furthermore, they received favourable coverage, with both Hindi and English media praising their humanitarian efforts amid this tragic moment.
Justice MarkandeyKatju, former Supreme Court judge, and former Chairman of Press Council of India, showered all praise on Allahabad Muslims. In his blog, Justice Katju wrote: “Despite all attempts by the ruling party for the last 10 years at polarizing Indian society on religious lines to get Hindu votes, despite demonising Muslims as terrorists and anti-nationals, despite lynching many Muslims, despite bulldozing their houses, despite beating them up for not saying Jai Shri Ram, despite throwing many in jail for many years on fabricated and frivolous charges (e.g. Umar Khalid), what has been the reaction of Muslims?
“One would have expected their minds to be full of hatred for Hindus for the atrocities committed on them.
“But what happened in Allahabad after the stampede in the ongoing Kumbh Mela on 29th January 2025, in which an unknown number of Hindu pilgrims were killed and countless are still missing, was just the contrary. In fact it was something marvellous.
“Muslims had been told to keep away from the Kumbh Mela area, and this would no doubt have created resentment in them.
“But far from gloating over the calamity of Hindus, the Muslims of Allahabad immediately organized help for the victims in numerous ways, as described here: This shows that despite all attempts by communal elements in recent years to incite hatred against minorities, the Ganga-Jamunitehzeeb, and humanitarian feelings, taught by our sufis and saints over the ages, still survives, and can never die”.
Justice Katju, who happens to be native of Allahabad, concluded: “The Muslims (and Sikhs) of Allahabad have shown the correct path to our whole nation, that we must unite if we are to move forward, and not be carried away by the nefarious communal propaganda of those who seek to divide us for their vested interests.”
During this man-made calamity at least 30 (unofficial figure 70) lost their lives, and those who survived, lost their belongings and valuables. Many people don’t even have enough money to buy food, water, and shelter, which were being sold at a high cost.
The Muslims in Uttar Pradesh presented a stunning example of the Islamic message of brotherhood by welcoming Hindu pilgrims who were left stranded in the January 29 Mahakumbh stampede into their mosques, madrasas, imambaras, and even their houses. The volunteers set up relief camps and provided individuals in need with warm blankets, food, and water.
A video of Muslim residents reaching out for assistance has become a breath of fresh air. Mosques in Prayagraj were opened to assist pilgrims,setting an example of solidarity, harmony and fraternity. They provided free food and water, as well as shelter. Sikhs in the city also followed suit. Social media users are applauding the initiative to foster goodwill among people of different religions as the video continues to gather popularity.
Following the stampede, buses and even private vehicles got stuck on highways, trapping many devotees. “We were exhausted and helpless but our Muslim brethren came forward for help,” said 68-year-old pilgrim Ramnath Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh.
Locals stepped in to provide the devotees with food, shelter, and warmth when the overwhelming rush clogged the roads leading to the railway station.
Another pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh, Rameshwar Prasad, took refuge in a home close to Chowk. “I had nowhere to go when the roads were closed, and I was shivering in the cold,” he said. “I was welcomed inside by a nice man named Rashid, who also offered me food and a blanket. I shall always remember his generosity and kindness.”
Radha Devi from Banaras related her experience: “A young man named Areeb led me to the school, where they fed us and gave us warm bedding, because I was exhausted from the travel and had nowhere to sleep. Their kindness served as a reminder to me that people are more important than religion.”
During the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, a rush broke out in the mela region. About 70 people lost their lives in the disaster, while scores of pilgrims were injured. Independent sources put the death toll in hundreds.
As word spread out about the tragedy, Muslim families from neighbourhoods, including Khuldabad, Rani Mandi, Himmatganj, Roshan Bagh, NakhasKohna, and Shahganj opened their doors. Mosques including Chowk Masjid, Bada Tazia Imambara, and Khuldabad Sabzi Mandi Masjid were turned into overnight shelters. Within hours, they set up community kitchens providing hot meals, tea, and snacks to people who had been without food for hours.
According to Mohammad Irshad of Bahadur Ganj, “There is no Hindu or Muslim in such times – there is only humanity.” We observed folks in pain that night; therefore, we did what was needed. We fed them, greeted them as guests, and ensured their safety.”
Volunteers toiled for endless hours throughout the night to make accommodations for as many individuals as they could. In homes and mosques, women and children were prioritised, while madrasas and community halls were used as temporary sleeping places. Locals even erect roadside stands to hand out blankets, drinks, and snacks.
Speaking with Radiance, Raza Abbas Zaidi, a primary school teacher from NakhasKohna, stated, “Everyone rushed to do their part.” Men established distribution centres; women began preparing meals, and little boys assisted in directing stranded followers to secure shelters. Everyone in our neighbourhood helped in accordance with Islamic teachings, said Zaidi.
Even educational institutions joined to offer help. YadgarHussaini Inter College’s manager, Muhammad Mehndi Gauhar Kazmi, converted his establishment into a camp for the needy. It wasn’t prearranged. We swing into action after witnessing the pain of our guests. Our classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds served as resting places for thousands of pilgrims. He stated, “We prepared matar pulao and khichdi and kept feeding people until the last of them departed on Friday afternoon.”
There is a substantial Shia Muslim population in Allahabad. They also opened Imambaras for pilgrims who were stuck in the bitter weather and have nowhere to stay. Hasan Akhtar told Radiance that without any slightest hesitation, we decided of lending a helping hand to those in need and opened the doors of Imambaras in the city. “We did what a human being should do,” he added.
The historic Jama Masjid in Chowk also turned into a camp for hundreds of pilgrims. Community kitchens in Muslim-majority areas ran throughout the night, serving hot meals to those in need.
A section of media, which doesn’t miss any opportunity to demonise the Muslims, was also compelled to shower praise on Allahabad Muslims for noble service during the tragedy. One of the largest circulated Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar’s coverage highlighted how the people of Prayagraj set an example of unity, proving that humanity transcends all divisions.
In the past, Mahakumbh has been a common event for both Muslims and Hindus. For many years, the mega event has given Muslim businessmen, transporters, and daily wage labourers economic opportunity. From artists selling handcrafted religious trinkets to boatmen transporting pilgrims to Sangam, the event has benefited both groups for generations.
But everything was different this year owing to politics of hate and polarisation. Muslims had been excluded from the Kumbh’s trade and services due to calls for a boycott of their participation. Many Muslim store owners were turned away, and those who attempted to do business in a discreet manner were harassed.