In the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, a Catholic-run hospital and a college have extended an act of generosity by providing free meals to Hindu devotees attending the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering. The initiative aims to support the millions of pilgrims who have traveled long distances to participate in the sacred event.
Father Vipin D’Souza, the director of Nazareth Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to assist the pilgrims, noting, “We are glad to lend hands to the pilgrims.” In partnership with the Allahabad Diocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue, the hospital organized free meals outside its premises on January 29 and February 3. These meals were offered to thousands of devotees passing by a road leading to the Kumbh Mela venue, which is located about five kilometers away. D’Souza elaborated on the decision to provide the meals, stating, “We decided to organize the free meals for the devotees as they have been walking more than 10-15 kilometers to reach the place.”
Recognizing the physical strain endured by the pilgrims, the hospital aimed to meet their needs with offerings of tea, snacks, and other food items. “Recognizing the needs of the weary pilgrims, we planned to give them tea, snacks, and other food items,” D’Souza shared. In addition to the meals, the hospital also provided free medicine to some of the devotees, with four Hindu monks receiving treatment at the facility without charge. In total, Nazareth Hospital served between 25,000 to 30,000 pilgrims, offering food, medical care, and other services.
The Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival with a rich history, held once every 12 years. The event, which is considered one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world, involves devotees taking a sacred dip in holy rivers, such as the Ganges, with the belief that doing so cleanses them of their sins and brings spiritual purification. This year, the 45-day festival began on January 13 at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), the largest city in Uttar Pradesh. The event is expected to draw approximately 400 million pilgrims, with around six million taking the ritual dip in the river on January 14 alone.
Catholic nuns and staff from St. Mary’s Convent Inter College also took part in offering support to the devotees during the Kumbh Mela. The college distributed food and water to the pilgrims on January 28 and 30. Archit Banerjee, a college official, explained the intention behind the gesture, stating that the staff wanted to ensure the devotees could focus solely on their spiritual journey without concerns about their basic needs. Banerjee emphasized, “We wanted to ensure the devotees focused on the spiritual journey without worrying about basic necessities.”
The actions of these Catholic institutions during the Kumbh Mela have drawn attention, particularly in light of the ongoing tension between Christian communities and Hindu hardliners. Minakshi Singh, a Christian activist and secretary of Unity in Compassion, a charity organization based in Uttar Pradesh, spoke out in support of the gesture. She noted that this act of service challenges the long-standing narrative spread by Hindu hardliners, who often accuse Christians of trying to convert Hindus. Singh said, “It sends the message that Christians only believe in peace, love, and service to mankind.” She further highlighted the significance of the gesture, especially considering the challenges faced by Christians in the state, adding, “This act may prompt people to reflect that Christians are here for service of the people as many Christians people have faced persecution in the state, the highest numbers in the country.”
Uttar Pradesh, with a population of approximately 200 million people, is India’s most populous state. The majority of its residents are Hindus, while Muslims make up about 19 percent of the population. Christians, who constitute only around 0.18 percent of the state’s population, have faced significant persecution in recent years. According to rights groups, Hindu hardliners have been responsible for many of the incidents of violence against Christians. Last year, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of anti-Christian incidents in the country, with 209 reported cases, as stated by the United Christian Forum, a Christian group based in New Delhi.
The Catholic-run institutions’ efforts during the Kumbh Mela stand in stark contrast to the persecution faced by Christians in Uttar Pradesh, signaling a message of love, compassion, and unity across religious lines. This charitable act not only serves the immediate needs of the pilgrims but also contributes to building bridges between religious communities in the region.
The outreach of Nazareth Hospital and St. Mary’s Convent Inter College is a testament to the spirit of interfaith solidarity and compassion. By focusing on service to others, these institutions have demonstrated a commitment to serving humanity, regardless of religious affiliations. As the Kumbh Mela continues to draw millions of devotees, the actions of these Christian institutions serve as a reminder of the power of kindness and the importance of fostering understanding and cooperation in the face of divisive rhetoric.
In a state where Christians make up a small fraction of the population, the goodwill extended by these institutions is especially meaningful. It challenges the prevailing stereotypes and shows that acts of kindness transcend religious boundaries. Singh’s statement reinforces this sentiment, suggesting that the generosity of the Catholic institutions may inspire reflection among people of all faiths. “It sends the message that Christians only believe in peace, love, and service to mankind,” she remarked.
In the broader context, these acts of charity also challenge the divisive rhetoric that has plagued the state in recent years. By offering their resources and support to the Hindu devotees, the Catholic-run institutions have demonstrated the true spirit of service, which is central to many religious teachings. Their actions highlight the shared values of compassion and care that unite people across different faiths, promoting harmony and mutual respect in a state marked by religious tensions.
These efforts, grounded in service and compassion, send a powerful message to all who witness them: that despite religious differences, the desire to help others is a common thread that binds humanity together. The Kumbh Mela, a sacred and significant event for Hindus, has thus become an occasion not only for spiritual renewal but also for fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation.