Mahakumbh 2025: Photo Captured from Space by ISS
On January 13, the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 began at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where crores of devotees gathered to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. By 12 noon on Thursday, the administration recorded that 10 crore devotees had already participated.
Adding to the excitement, astronaut Don Pettit captured a stunning nighttime photo of the Ganges River from the International Space Station (ISS). The image showcases how a section of the river is beautifully illuminated, highlighting the magnitude of the event.
Pilgrim Estimates and Preparations
The Yogi Adityanath government estimates that more than 450 million devotees will visit Mahakumbh 2025. Pilgrims from around the world are arriving to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, seeking spiritual merit. To accommodate the vast crowd, the Uttar Pradesh government has created a new district called Mahakumbh Nagar, featuring:
- 1,50,000 tents
- 3,000 kitchens
- 1,45,000 toilets
- 99 parking lots
ISRO’s Contribution
ISRO has also captured breathtaking images of Mahakumbh 2025 using state-of-the-art optical satellites and day-night radar satellites. The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in Hyderabad documented the infrastructure developments at the mela.
Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director of NRSC, explained, “Radarsat was used to capture images through the cloud band around Prayagraj. The images, taken on September 15, 2023, and December 29, 2024, showcase the temporary tent city, pontoon bridge, and road network constructed for the event.”
