The Muslims who were untouchable – all kinds of hate slur were hurled at them – before the Mahakumbh Mela played exemplary role after the stampede. In a remarkable display of interfaith harmony, the Muslims extended a warm welcome to Hindu devotees who found themselves stranded following the tragic stampede during the Mahakumbh on January 29.
Community members opened the doors of mosques, madrasas, imambaras, and their own homes, establishing relief stations that provided food, water, and warm blankets to those affected. The stampede occurred in the mela area during the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and numerous injuries. As news of the incident spread, Muslim families from localities such as NakhasKohna, Roshan Bagh, Himmatganj, Khuldabad, Rani Mandi, and Shahganj offered their hospitality.
Notable mosques, including Khuldabad Sabzi Mandi Masjid, Bada Tazia Imambara, and Chowk Masjid, quickly transformed into temporary shelters for those in need. Within hours, community kitchens were established, providing tea, snacks, and hot meals to individuals who had gone without food for longer hours.
“In such times, there is no Hindu or Muslim – there is only humanity,” remarked Mohammad Irshad from Bahadur Ganj. “That night, we witnessed the suffering of others, and we acted accordingly. We welcomed them as our guests, ensured they were fed, and prioritised their safety.”
Throughout the night, volunteers dedicated themselves to accommodating as many individuals as possible. Priority was given to women and children in mosques and homes, while makeshift sleeping arrangements were organised in community halls and madrasas. Local residents even established roadside counters to distribute water, biscuits, and blankets.
After the stampede, the Uttar Pradesh authorities closed entrances to the affected key locations leaving thousands of pilgrims stuck without a way back to their homes. A story of extraordinary kindness emerged from the Muslims of Prayagraj who showed remarkable compassion by opening their doors to thousands of stranded Hindu pilgrims following the stampede. This interfaith harmony was witnessed despite Hindu right-wing outfits, including Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) had announced strict measures warning that “non-Sanatanis” and their business were not allowed at the Kumbh Mela, particularly referring to the Muslims.
They had appealed to pilgrims to buy things only from vendors of their community and inform authorities or the organisation if any non-Sanatani was found carrying out business. After the stampede, the UP authorities closed entrances to the affected key locations leaving thousands of pilgrims stuck without a way back to their homes.
Despite the atmosphere of growing anti-Muslim rhetoric, the Muslims set aside all grudges and stepped forward to provide basic facilities needed to the people stuck amid the horror on a chilly night. On January 30, the Muslims across the city came forward and organised assistance while turning mosques, dargahs, Imambaras and their houses into temporary shelters, accommodating about 25,000-26,000 stranded pilgrims. They distributed warm bedding and food to ensure necessary medical care to protect the devotees.
In the wake of the tragedy, a remarkable demonstration of compassion and interfaith solidarity emerged. Numerous mosques and minority organisations in Prayagraj offered refuge to nearly 1,000 Hindu pilgrims. This generous gesture has attracted considerable attention, with videos showcasing the benevolence of local communities circulating widely on social media.
Many are recognising it as a powerful affirmation of humanity and brotherhood. This united response transcended religious and social divides, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness in Sangam city. The reaction to the crisis underscored the profound strength of human compassion, as individuals united to assist one another, exemplifying the true nature of social harmony.
Before the Mahakumbh started, ABAP chief Mahant Ravindra Puri said that although they don’t have “any enmity” with the Muslims, they cannot set up shops during the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj as it would “corrupt religion”. “They shouldn’t set up grocery shops, juice shops, food stalls and tea shops, as they spit on the food deliberately.”
Professor Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, in his Friday sermon in Delhi, while lauding the role of Muslims for their humanitarian services post-stampede, said the best way forward to counter hate and prejudices is through compassion and love for humanity which is also the basic teachings of Islam. Such kind gestures will help counter the hate narrative against Muslims and dispel the hate agenda. It will further strengthen the idea of Sadbhawana and the communal harmony.
“I think Muslims should always play a positive role in the wake of crisis or tragedy. This is consistent with Islamic values and also constitutional values…. Regardless of what people say or how they treat, Muslims must and should stand for greater human values,” said Mujibur Rehman author of Shikwa-e-Hind: The Political Future of India Muslims.
Syed Tanveer Ahmed,Secretary of Markazi Taleemi Board, said the lives of ordinary pilgrims warrant the same level of attention and safeguarding as those of VIPs and distinguished guests. It appears that there were efforts to unduly restrict the media, inhibiting any coverage that portrayed the government and administration unfavourably or brought to light the shortcomings in the Mahakumbh arrangements.
“This high-handed approach hindered the media’s ability to critically assess the deficiencies in managing this large-scale event, which could have prompted the government and administration to address these issues promptly, thereby enhancing preparedness and crisis management. We call upon the authorities to implement corrective actions, maintain openness and transparency, and permit the media to fulfil its role in order to avert such tragedies in the future,” he said.