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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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
