The spirit of communal harmony was on full display during the Maha Kumbh's grand Mouni Amavasya bathing festival, as Muslim families in the old city opened their homes to stranded Hindu pilgrims.

With roads leading to the railway station blocked due to the overwhelming rush, local residents stepped in to offer food, shelter, and warmth to the devotees.

Among them was Rameshwar Prasad, a pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh, who found shelter at a house near Chowk. "I had nowhere to go when the roads were closed, and I was shivering in the cold," he recalled. "A kind man named Rashid invited me in, gave me food, and even offered me a blanket. I will never forget his kindness."

The historic Jama Masjid in Chowk also turned into a refuge for dozens of pilgrims. Community kitchens in Muslim-majority areas ran throughout the night, serving hot meals to those in need. With the success of these efforts, locals have now begun preparations to assist devotees on Vasant Panchami, another major bathing festival. During Mouni Amavasya, thousands of devotees spent three days at Yadgare Husaini Inter College in Chowk, where members of the Muslim community volunteered to provide food and accommodation. Gauhar Kazmi, the college manager, confirmed that arrangements are now being made for Vasant Panchami as well.

Radha Devi, a devotee from Varanasi, shared her experience: "I was tired from the journey and had no place to rest when a young man named Areeb guided me to the school, where they provided us with meals and warm bedding. Their generosity reminded me that humanity comes before religion."

Local businessman Rashid Sagir, who had opened Shaharara Bagh Mosque for pilgrims and distributed blankets during Mouni Amavasya, is preparing similar arrangements for Vasant Panchami. "It is our duty to help those in need, regardless of religion," he said.

Understanding the need for separate arrangements for women, Rashid had also opened his restaurant for female devotees. Sunita Mishra, a pilgrim from Kanpur, expressed her gratitude: "I was hesitant at first, but they treated me like family. The women in Rashid bhai's house took care of me as if I was their own sister."

In addition, Haseeb Ahmed organised a langar in Chowk, serving food to hundreds of devotees. He has now started preparations to host more pilgrims on Vasant Panchami.

Recognising the struggles of those walking long distances, young leader Adil Hamza arranged for vehicles to transport devotees. "Religion teaches us compassion, not division," he said.