Allahabad: With many 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 looked like a picture-postcard of communal bonhomie. And their selfless service to visitors won accolades from the locals, who 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.