NASA astronaut shares breathtaking photos of Maha Kumbh from space

Donald Pettit, an astronaut from NASA, shared stunning pictures of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj taken by the International Space Station (ISS).

In a post on his X handle, Pettit wrote, “2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit.”

The pictures highlight the massive scale nature of the festival, which has attracted millions of devotees from around the globe.

Over 110 million people have participated during the first 14 days of the Maha Kumbh Mela, making it one of the largest religious events globally. Held once every 12 years, it will continue until February 26, 2025. Massive crowds are expected at the event until its conclusion.

The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (now extinct) rivers, also known as the Sangam, attracts many pilgrims who take a ritual bath that wash away their sins and attain moksha (liberation). This bath is central to the fest’s sacred significance and is rooted in Sanatan Dharma.

The Kumbh Mela occurs when a unique celestial positioning creates a window for cleansing and devotion.

Millions of pilgrims have taken a dip in the Sangam despite the cold weather. Authorities are meticulously preparing for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya on January 29, when approximately 45 crore people are expected to attend.

The Maha Kumbh Mela symbolizes the convergence of diverse individuals coming together for a shared spiritual experience in Prayagraj and embodies India’s unity in diversity.