Ganga-jamuni tehzeeb in full display as Muslims serve sharbat to Kumbh visitors

With several Muslim youths zealously serving thirst-quenching 'roohafza sharbat' to a sea of pilgrims on their long, arduous walks to the Sangam ghats on mauni amawasya, the Kumbh Mela Monday looked like a picture-postcard of communal bonhomie.

And their selfless service to the Kumbh visitors won accolades from the locals, who proudly attributed their act to the famous Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb of the city.

Tashreeful Haque, a 32-year-old two-wheeler mechanic, wore a broad smile as he handed over a glass of sharbat to Kumbh visitors.

"The Kumbh is a matter of pride for our city and we are offering water mixed with roohafza (a popular sweet syrup) to Kumbh visitors so that they can quench their thirst," said Haque.

"I am sure a glass of sharbat would add to their sweet memories to their Kumbh visits," he added.

Another bike mechanic, 28-year-old Saif, said five two-wheeler mechanics, all Muslim youths have put up drinking water stalls for devotees visiting the Kumbh on mauni amawasya, the busiest day for taking the holy dip in the Sangam.

Other Muslim youths, Haseen Ansari, Faisal Khan and Shahbaaz Khan, all manning water stalls, too were seen serving zealously water and sharbat to visitors.

Lauding the Muslim youths' novel effort, Ashit Neogy, a local businessman who too has set up a drinking water stall, told PTI, "Prayagraj is a city of devotion and faith and the Kumbh is a mega event of the faith."