When Compassion Prevails Over Hatred: The Unsung Heroes of Allahabad (Prayagraj)
DESPITE THE ruling party’s persistent efforts over the last ten years to polarize Indian society along religious lines to secure Hindu votes—despite demonizing Muslims as terrorists and anti-nationals, despite lynching many Muslims, bulldozing their houses, beating them for not chanting Jai Shri Ram, and imprisoning many on fabricated and frivolous charges (e.g., Umar Khalid)—what has been the reaction of Muslims?
One might have expected them to be filled with hatred toward Hindus for the atrocities committed against them.
As pilgrims started gathering for the Mouni Amavasya Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh on the night of 28 January, heavy barricading near the Sangam Nose caused congestion. The influx of people continued, eventually leading to a half-kilometre-long blockage.
Amid this, rumours spread that Naga Sadhus were arriving for their holy dip, triggering panic among the crowd. The barricades were broken, and people rushed forward, trampling those who fell.
The stampede claimed 60 lives and left hundreds others injured. The aftermath was horrifying, some searched desperately for their loved ones, while others clung to the hands of deceased relatives, fearing their bodies might be lost in the chaos. Hospital was overwhelmed with bloodied bodies and injured victims.
However, what transpired in Allahabad after the stampede at the ongoing Kumbh Mela on 29th January 2025—an incident in which an unknown number of Hindu pilgrims were killed and countless others remain missing—was quite the opposite. In fact, it was something marvellous.
Muslims had been explicitly instructed to stay away from the Kumbh Mela area, a directive that could have understandably fostered resentment.
It may be mentioned here that the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), an apex body of Hindu seers and religious leaders, on October 9, 2024 had announced its decision to prevent “non-Sanatani” people — or those who do not believe in Sanatan Dharma — from entering or putting up stalls at the Kumbh Mela, scheduled to be held in Prayagraj 2025.
Yet, far from gloating over the tragedy, the Muslims of Allahabad immediately mobilized to assist the victims in numerous ways.
With arrangements collapsing and authorities halting entry into the area, thousands of pilgrims were stranded wherever they had reached. On 29 January, Muslims in over 10 areas of Prayagraj extended help, opening mosques, shrines, dargahs, imambaras, and their homes to accommodate 25,000 to 26,000 pilgrims. They provided food, warm bedding, and medical assistance to those in need.
According to reports, the stampede left thousands stranded as highways were jammed, halting buses and forcing many to spend the night on the streets. The following night, on 29 January, residents of Khuldabad, Nakhhas Kohna, Roshan Bagh, Himmatganj, Rani Mandi, and Shahganj welcomed pilgrims into their homes.
Mosques like Khuldabad Sabzi Mandi Mosque, Bada Tazia Imambara, Himmatganj Dargah, and Chowk Mosque turned into temporary shelters. Muslim and Sikh community members distributed tea, snacks, and meals. Localities organised mass food distribution (bhandaras), serving halwa-puri and other essentials to the stranded devotees.
Speaking to reporters, Mohammad Irshad of Bahadurganj (Daira) said, “After the stampede, we saw thousands struggling in the freezing night. We immediately opened mosques and dargahs, welcoming as many people as possible into our homes. We ensured they had food and a place to stay. They were our guests in Prayagraj, and we did our best to look after them.”
Masood Ahmed, a teacher from Chowk area, emphasised the spirit of humanity, stating, “Hindus were performing their religious rituals, and Muslims were fulfilling their duty of humanitarian service. It was our responsibility to ensure no one suffered due to lack of food or shelter. We helped elderly pilgrims reach the station safely. We only wanted those who came here to leave with a message of humanity.”
This remarkable response demonstrates that, despite relentless attempts by communal elements in recent years to incite hatred against minorities, the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb and the humanitarian values imparted by our Sufi saints over centuries still endure—and will never die.
The Muslims and Sikhs of Allahabad have illuminated the path our nation must follow: we must unite to progress and reject the nefarious communal propaganda of those who seek to divide us for their vested interests. 
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Also Read:
Kumbh Mela in Prayag
Indian Muslims and the Mosques
Markandey Katju
Justice Markandey Katju is former Judge, Supreme Court of India and former Chairman, Press Council of India.
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