How Maha Kumbh Mela Looks From International Space Station, NASA Astronaut Don Pettit Shares Spectacular Images

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has shared breathtaking images of the Maha Kumbh Mela, offering a unique perspective of the illuminated city of Prayagraj from space.

Known for his passion for astrophotography, Pettit posted the photographs on X, captioning them, “2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit.”

The images showcase the stunning confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, highlighting the grandeur of one of the world’s most significant spiritual gatherings.

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, a once-in-144-year event, began on January 13 and will span 45 days, drawing millions of devotees, saints, and tourists. To accommodate the massive influx, the Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 400 crore to provide seamless infrastructure and uninterrupted electricity throughout the event.

As reported by The Indian Express, spread across over 4,000 hectares, the event area is powered by 85 sub-stations, ensuring efficient electricity supply. Officials estimate that nearly 2 lakh units of electricity will be consumed daily during the 45-day period, amounting to a cost of Rs 30 crore.

Additionally, approximately 52,000 electric poles, 70,000 LED lights, and 2,016 solar hybrid lights have been installed. These solar hybrid lights, strategically placed along major roads, are designed to turn on automatically in the evening and off in the morning.

To accommodate the large number of attendees, nearly 1.6 lakh tents and 50,000 shops are being set up, creating a temporary yet vibrant city for the event.

The high-powered cameras aboard the ISS captured the dazzling spectacle of the Maha Kumbh Mela, further emphasising its global significance. Pettit is currently joined on the ISS by fellow astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Willmore, among others, as they document this extraordinary event from space.