The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has returned to Prayagraj after a 144-year hiatus, drawing millions of devotees from around the world. Social media is buzzing with visuals of the event, showcasing devotees performing the sacred “Amrit Snan” at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers to seek salvation and cleanse sins. Yet, a unique perspective of this massive congregation has now emerged—from space.
NASA astronaut Donald Pettit, part of the Expedition 72 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has shared breathtaking photographs of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest human gathering, as seen from space. “2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage captured from the ISS at night. The world’s largest human gathering beautifully illuminated,” Pettit shared on X, accompanied by two stunning nighttime images.
The images have amazed viewers online. One individual remarked on the immense scale, noting that the illuminated “tiny” area hosts 400 million pilgrims over six weeks, with 70 million expected to take a dip on January 29. Another called the sight “absolutely mesmerizing,” highlighting the significance of this rare event.
This year’s Maha Kumbh has also drawn celebrities and notable figures from various walks of life, amplifying its global recognition. The vibrant scenes, coupled with the awe-inspiring photographs from the ISS, underscore the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival.
Pettit’s photographs mark a historic first for the ISS, capturing an event that hasn’t occurred in over a century. Social media users have expressed gratitude for this unique perspective, with some calling on global leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to appreciate the remarkable images.
The illuminated expanse of the Maha Kumbh, as seen from space, serves as a striking testament to the magnitude of this spiritual gathering, offering a celestial glimpse of the unity and devotion of millions.