New Delhi: The ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has captured global attention—not just on Earth, but from space as well. Sitting aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronaut Don Pettit has shared breathtaking images of the event, showcasing its brilliance from above.
Known for his exceptional astrophotography, Mr Pettit posted the images on X, writing: “2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit.”
2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit. pic.twitter.com/l9YD6o0Llo
— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) January 26, 2025
The photographs highlight the dazzling tent city of Prayagraj, located near the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Held once every 144 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela is famed for its immense gatherings of pilgrims and profound spiritual significance. The ISS, travelling at a speed of 28,000 km per hour above Earth, used its advanced cameras to capture the event’s glowing spectacle.
The images have since sparked awe and admiration across the internet.
A user commented, “That reminds me of being a star in space and having other stars gather with me until we create a supernova and result in a new universe being formed.”
Another said, “The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela at the Ganges River, seen from the International Space Station at night, showcases the immense scale of this religious pilgrimage. The gathering, known as the world’s largest human assembly, appears strikingly illuminated from space.”
The Uttar Pradesh government allocated Rs 400 crore to ensure uninterrupted electricity during the 45-day Maha Kumbh festival, which began on 13 January. Key infrastructure upgrades include 182 km of high-tension power lines, 40,000 rechargeable bulbs, and advanced AI-driven security measures such as 2,700 CCTV cameras and underwater drones deployed at the Triveni Sangam.
Onboard the International Space Station (ISS), Don Pettit is joined by fellow astronaut Sunita Williams and other crew members. Ms Williams and her colleague Barry Willmore have been on the ISS for 10 months following an extended mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Their return to Earth, initially planned for February, has been further delayed due to postponements in the SpaceX Crew 10 launch, now rescheduled for late March 2025.
