Hindu Council of Australia

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: A Spectacle Captured from Space

This presentation takes you on a remarkable journey through time and space, offering a rare, bird’s-eye view of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025—the world’s largest spiritual gathering. Using a series of Sentinel-2 satellite images, we witness the breathtaking transformation of the Ganges floodplain, from monsoon-swollen waters to a bustling, temporary megacity teeming with millions of pilgrims.

From September 2024 to February 2025, these images reveal:

  • The dramatic retreat of floodwaters exposed the riverbanks and hidden infrastructure.
  • The meticulous construction of temporary bridges and vast tent cities was built with astonishing speed and precision.
  • The swelling crowds of pilgrims, whose devotion turns the riverbanks into a sea of humanity, are visible even from space.

Each frame tells a story—of nature’s power, of human ingenuity, and of unwavering faith. Through these satellite images, we gain a profound appreciation for the sheer scale of the Maha Kumbh Mela and the staggering logistics that make it possible.

Credits: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 Data (modified). Data analysis by Shanti Reddy, Hindu Council, ACT chapter.

poster explaining satellite images 2