NASA astronaut Don Pettit shares photographs of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela taken from the International Space Station, describing one image as “my best shot.” The pictures show the pilgrimage in and around Prayagraj, viewed against the darkness of space, with the gathering’s lights and activity visible from orbit.
Both outlets identify Pettit as the source of the images and place the event in the context of the large-scale Hindu festival. Times of India adds further detail, saying the Maha Kumbh Mela draws millions who take ritual baths and describing it as among the largest gatherings in human history. It also notes that the space mission is linked to ongoing scientific research. NDTV, in contrast, focuses more narrowly on the act of sharing the striking ISS photo and does not expand on attendance figures or the scientific research angle.
Despite differences in emphasis, the reports agree the images come from the ISS and that Pettit released them publicly to showcase the event from space.
