Kumbh Tragedy: Sikhs, Muslims Offer Pilgrims Shelter, Food
In a profound display of unity and compassion, Sikhs and Muslims selflessly served by providing food to Kumbh devotees, while Mosques opened up to provide beds and blankets to 25,000 people
AS the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 began on January 13, 2025 and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, welcomed millions of devotees who arrived in large numbers to take part in the world’s biggest sacred event and human gathering. Despite unfortunate reports suggesting restrictions on Muslim participation in the Kumbh and the opening of businesses, the tragedy of the stampede on Mauni Amavasya (January 29, 2025) proved to be a pivotal moment, bringing people together across religious divides.
During the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the spirit of unity and humanity was vividly displayed through several heartwarming acts. Farhan Alam, a volunteer, saved the life of Ram Shankar, a devotee who collapsed from a heart attack, by performing CPR in a swift and decisive manner. This heroic act went viral, showcasing his selflessness. Meanwhile, in the wake of a tragic stampede, the Muslim community in Prayagraj demonstrated remarkable hospitality by opening their homes and mosques to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to over 25,000 stranded devotees.
These acts of compassion, alongside other efforts like offering prayers in Dargahs and distributing food, epitomised the true spirit of Ganga-Jamuni culture, transcending religious boundaries to serve humanity.
The Maha Kumbh Mela – 2025, which began on January 13, 2025, was marked by a tragic stampede as devotees arrived for the Mauni Amavasya dip. Barricades were set up near the Sangam. As people rushed forward, those who fell were trampled in the ensuing stampede, resulting in the deaths of 30 individuals and injuries to over 60 others.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the local Muslim community in Prayagraj demonstrated remarkable compassion and unity. On January 29, with the entry of devotees blocked and thousands stranded, Muslims from over 10 areas, including Jansenganj Road, opened the doors of their homes, mosques, tombs, dargahs, and Imambaras to offer shelter and care. More than 25,000 devotees found refuge, as food, tea, and water were provided, and medical aid was offered to the injured. Dainik Bhaskar reports that localities such as NakhasKohna, Himmatganj, and Khuldabad organised Bhandaras (community feasts), offering meals like halwa puri to the stranded devotees.
“HUMANITY FIRST”: THE UNIFYING
MESSAGE OF THE PEOPLE
Irshad, a resident of Bahadur Ganj, shared, “He is our guest, we took full care of him” reported Dainik Bhaskar. Recognising the dire situation after the stampede, he and his neighbours opened mosques and their homes to provide shelter for the needy. Masood Ahmed, a teacher from Apna Chowk, also emphasized, “Muslims were doing their religion, Hindus were doing their religion. Our aim was that the people who have come here should not face any problem in living” as per Dainik Bhaskar. Both Hindus and Muslims came together as human beings, ensuring that the basic needs of the devotees – food, shelter, and transport – were met. Their collective efforts sent a powerful message: unity, compassion, and humanity above all else.
Professor VK Tripathi’s (a distinguished physicist and former professor at IIT) unwavering efforts to promote peace and harmony stood as a beacon of hope during the Maha Kumbh Mela. At the event, he distributed flyers calling for an end to hatred and the spread of love, standing alone in his mission. In his previous visit to Ajmer, he spread the same message.
In Maha Kumbh, as millions gathered to seek blessings, people from the Muslim community in Bulandshahr demonstrated true harmony by offering prayers for the safety of devotees. They placed a cloth (chadar) at the shrine of Banne Sharif, symbolizing compassion, solidarity, and the power of faith beyond religious lines. Their act of kindness reinforced the spirit of unity at the event.
Imam of Wasiullah Mosque, alongside the community, organised water and food provisions for those at Roshan Bagh Park. This collaborative effort reflected the city’s spirit of harmony and service to all.
In a beautiful exchange of love and compassion, the Muslim community in Khuldabad, Prayagraj, came forward to serve Kumbh devotees. With open hearts, they distributed food to the pilgrims, embodying the true spirit of unity. This selfless act of kindness strengthened the bond of brotherhood, showcasing the power of humanity and compassion beyond religious boundaries.
However, another viral video on social media shows Muslims and Sikhs selflessly distributing food to Kumbh devotees, exemplifying the true spirit of love, unity, and harmony, transcending religious boundaries in the holy gathering.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be remembered not only for its religious significance but for the profound acts of unity and compassion that transcended all barriers. From the heroic rescue of Ram Shankar by Farhan Alam to the selfless service of food, shelter, and medical aid by the Muslim community, every gesture highlighted the power of humanity.
Courtesy: Newsclick
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