Muslims open mosques to help Maha Kumbh stampede victims
Provide shelter, food, blankets to 25,000 pilgrims
Prayagraj: 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 35 to 40 lives and left 60 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.
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.
Dainik Bhaskar reports on communal harmony amidst tragedy
According to Dainik Bhaskar, 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. Community members distributed tea, snacks, and meals. Localities organised mass food distribution (bhandaras), serving halwa-puri and other essentials to the stranded devotees.
"They were our guests, we took care of them"
Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, 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."
"The Kumbh Mela itself came to Muslim neighbourhoods"
According to Afsar Mahmood of Khuldabad, "Despite earlier announcements that Muslims would not be allowed at the Kumbh, fate brought the event to our neighbourhoods. It was only natural for us to help."
Mohinuddin from Chowk shared a similar sentiment, saying, "We just didn’t want anyone to spend the night under the open sky. So, we opened our doors."
“Food and warmth were arranged overnight"
Mohammad Azam from Civil Lines recounted how residents quickly arranged blankets and quilts for those suffering in the cold.
"We did whatever we could to ensure people didn’t struggle through the night. Food was arranged immediately."
This display of communal harmony and humanitarianism during a time of distress is being widely appreciated. Dainik Bhaskar’s coverage highlights how the people of Prayagraj set an example of unity, proving that humanity transcends all divisions.
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#महाकुंभ2025 में कुंभ के दौरान अव्यवस्था और भारी भीड़ के कारण श्रद्धालुओं को मस्जिद में शरण लेनी पड़ी। वहाँ इमाम साहब और स्थानीय लोगों ने गंगा-जमुनी तहज़ीब और भाईचारे की अनूठी मिसाल पेश करते हुए भोजन और ठहरने की व्यवस्था कराई।
— Subham Agrawal (@iSubhamAgrawal) January 30, 2025
इमाम साहब के इस सेवा भाव को दिल से नमन#MahaKumbh pic.twitter.com/XquiCWZGbK
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Minister Muniyappa asks hotels to wait for a week to overcome LPG crunch
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa on Wednesday said the state is facing an acute shortage of LPG cylinders for commercial use, with limited supplies forcing the government to prioritise essential sectors while asking hotels and eateries to temporarily switch to alternative arrangements.
He said the crisis has arisen due to supply constraints at the national level, with shipments stuck overseas, and that the state is making efforts to manage distribution until the situation normalises.
“We have very limited supply for restaurants, dhabas, hotels and industries, only about 1,000 cylinders. It has become very difficult to decide who should get how much from these 1,000 cylinders,” Muniyappa said in the Karnataka Legislative Council.
Citing the reason behind the shortage, he said, “The Central government is making efforts and is in constant touch with Iran. Around 16 ships are in queue and are not being released. If they are released, the situation will ease and return to normal.”
The minister said the government has urged commercial establishments to adjust operations.
“I have called a meeting of hotel owners and told them that for a week they must adjust, even if it means using electricity. This is a difficult situation, a war-like scenario, and the hoteliers should manage by using electricity for the time being,” he said.
Muniyappa said the state plans to streamline supplies by pooling available stock over a week.
“We will consolidate these 1,000 cylinders over a week and increase them to around 10,000 to 15,000 cylinders. I will call the association and discuss how to distribute them,” he said, adding that further consultations will be held next week.
Emphasising that domestic consumers remain the top priority, he said household supply will not be disrupted under any circumstances. “Priority is for domestic use. Household supply cannot be stopped at any cost. Every day, about 3,52,921 cylinders are being consumed,” he said, noting that oil marketing companies are continuing daily distribution.
The minister said the main challenge lies in commercial allocation, which has been capped by the Centre.
“The central government has allowed only 20 per cent allocation. The daily requirement for commercial cylinders is 44,000. Arrangements have been made to supply about 9,000 cylinders,” he said.
He detailed the prioritisation plan evolved in consultation with oil companies.
“We are providing 4,200 cylinders to educational institutions, student hostels, hospitals and other essential institutions,” he said.
In addition, about 1,200 cylinders are being supplied to government-run facilities and key public service points.
“For government PHU institutions, canteens located at airports, railway stations and bus stations, as well as Indira canteens, we are supplying about 1,200 cylinders as per their full requirement."
According to Muniyappa, certain sectors critical to the economy are also being supported.
“For seed processing, food processing, agriculture and allied sectors, pharmaceutical industry, fisheries, zoological parks, sports and sports hostels. Around 500 cylinders are being provided,” he said.
Responding to concerns raised by legislators, he said temporary relief measures have been extended during the ongoing Assembly session.
“As long as the Assembly session continues, we will provide about 50 per cent of their requirement. We cannot provide more than that, but considering the urgency, this arrangement has been made,” he added.
