“Astronaut Don Pettit captures the grandeur of the world’s largest human gathering, visible from 400 km above Earth.”
January 28, 2025: New Delhi: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has mesmerized millions on Earth and even caught the attention of those in space. NASA astronaut Don Pettit, stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS), shared breathtaking images of the event, showcasing its dazzling glow from 400 kilometers above the planet.
Known for his remarkable astrophotography, Pettit posted the images on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit.” The photographs vividly capture the sprawling tent city near the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, shining brightly under continuous illumination.
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
Also Read: Kailash Kher Feels Honoured To Perform Live For Devotees At Mahakumbh
Held once every 144 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a global spectacle, attracting millions of pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment. The ISS, traveling at a speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour, used high-powered cameras to capture this extraordinary scene.
Also Read: Take A Look At Shankar Mahadevan’s Soulful Performance At Mahakumbh
Internet Reacts to the Astronomical View
The images sparked awe and admiration across social media platforms.
One user commented, “This reminds me of being a star in space, gathering with others to create a supernova and form a new universe.”
That reminds of 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
— Elaina (@elaina_welch) January 27, 2025
Another wrote, “The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, seen from the ISS, highlights the sheer scale and spiritual significance of this iconic event. Truly mesmerizing!”
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.
— Tick Tock (@TickTockUSA2025) January 26, 2025
Grand Preparations for Maha Kumbh
To ensure uninterrupted celebrations, the Uttar Pradesh government invested ₹400 crore in infrastructure, including 182 kilometers of high-tension lines, 40,000 rechargeable bulbs, and AI-enabled security systems like 2,700 CCTV cameras and underwater drones at the Triveni Sangam.
Astronauts on the ISS
Don Pettit was joined on the ISS by fellow astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been on an extended mission with Barry Willmore. Their return, initially slated for February 2025, has been postponed due to delays in the SpaceX Crew 10 launch, now rescheduled for late March 2025.
The extraordinary images of the Maha Kumbh Mela serve as a reminder of humanity’s spiritual and cultural significance, visible even from the vast expanse of space.
Tags:
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, ISS photos, Don Pettit, Sunita Williams, Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, world’s largest gathering, spiritual festivals India, AI-enabled security, ISS missions, SpaceX Crew 10 launch.