- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mahakumbh 2025: NASA astronaut Donald Pettit (69) has shared breathtaking photographs of Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj which is lit up for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. Pettit is currently at the International Space Station as part of the Expedition 72 crew. He shared the images of the glittering city on Sunday on his X handle.
“2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit,” Pettit wrote.
Take a look at his post here:
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
The pictures drew admiration from his followers.
“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,” wrote one X user.
“Super photo and capture of such a unique moment. What date/time was this captured?” another asked.
What Is Mahakumbh?
The Mahakumbh is held every 12 years and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
According to tradition, pilgrims flock to the Sangam--the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (now extinct) rivers--to take the holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation).
Rooted in Sanatan Dharma, the event signifies a celestial alignment that creates an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and devotion. The Mahakumbh Mela is expected to host over 45 crore visitors, marking a historic occasion for India.