By The Sampadak Express
NASA astronaut Donald Pettit, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has shared breathtaking images of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which is currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The images, taken from space, depict the vast, sprawling city lit up against the backdrop of darkness, highlighting the massive scale of the event. Pettit, 69, is part of the Expedition 72 crew and took to social media on Sunday to share the images, offering a unique perspective of the world’s largest religious gathering.
In his post, Pettit explained that the photographs capture the Maha Kumbh Mela at night, from the ISS, showing the scene at the Ganges River where millions of devotees have gathered for the sacred pilgrimage. He wrote, “2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit.”
The photographs showcase Prayagraj bathed in light, standing out in stark contrast against the surrounding darkness of the land below. The sheer size of the event is apparent in the images, with a glittering display of lights emanating from the gathering of devotees. The images have garnered significant attention from his social media followers, many of whom marveled at the sight.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “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.” Another user commented, “Super photo and capture of such a unique moment. What date/time was this captured?”
The Maha Kumbh Mela: The World’s Largest Religious Gathering
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is currently taking place in Prayagraj, is recognized as the largest religious gathering in the world. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 45 crore (450 million) devotees, all of whom will gather at the sacred Sangam (the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Sarasvati rivers) to take a holy dip.
The scale of the Maha Kumbh Mela is unparalleled, surpassing some of the world’s biggest gatherings. For context, the Rio Carnival in Brazil typically attracts around 7 million people, while Oktoberfest in Germany draws around 7.2 million visitors. In comparison, the Maha Kumbh Mela’s estimated 45 crore attendees make it a truly remarkable spectacle.
To accommodate the massive influx of people, the local authorities in Prayagraj have made extensive preparations. Over 10,000 sanitation workers have been deployed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, and 1,800 Ganga Sevadut (volunteers) are helping pilgrims during the event. Health services have also been expanded significantly, with 6,000 hospital beds, 43 hospitals, and the provision of air ambulances to ensure the safety and well-being of the attendees.
The city is equipped with a comprehensive infrastructure, designed to cater to the needs of the millions of visitors, ensuring smooth operations throughout the duration of the event.
The Significance of the Maha Kumbh Mela
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a significant event for Hindus, who believe that taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges during the Kumbh Mela cleanses the soul and grants spiritual merit. The festival is held every 12 years, with the location rotating among four cities—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The event’s spiritual and cultural importance draws people from across the globe, making it one of the most awaited events in the Hindu calendar.
As one of the largest gatherings of humanity in the world, the Maha Kumbh Mela not only holds immense religious importance but also provides an opportunity to witness human solidarity on a scale few other events can match.
With global attention on the gathering, especially thanks to stunning images like those shared by Pettit, the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela continues to shine a spotlight on India’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions.
