NEW DELHI, Jan 22 – India’s radar imaging satellite RISAT-1A has provided detailed images of the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, showcasing the extensive infrastructure and crowd buildup at the world’s largest religious gathering, officials said on Monday.
The satellite, operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC) in Hyderabad, captured the images using advanced optical and radar imaging technologies capable of day-and-night viewing, even through cloud cover.
The images highlight the expansive layout of structures, roads, and numerous pontoon bridges built across the region’s river network to accommodate the influx of devotees.
“The radarsat was specifically used because it could image the region through the cloud band enveloping Prayagraj,” said Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director of NRSC.
According to officials, the Uttar Pradesh administration is leveraging these satellite images to manage crowd control, mitigate disasters, and prevent stampedes during the two-month-long event.
The radar images captured milestones of the event, starting with infrastructure developments on April 6, 2024, to significant progress by December 22, 2024, and finally the massive crowd buildup by January 10, 2025, shortly before the Mahakumbh’s opening.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh commended the use of satellite technology for event management, calling it a “paradigm shift” in managing large-scale gatherings.
“The Mahakumbh Mela stands as a shining example of how technology and tradition can come together to create a cleaner, healthier future for all,” Singh said.
The Mahakumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is one of the world’s largest spiritual events. This year, it is expected to attract over 450 million devotees seeking to wash away their sins by taking a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
On Makar Sankranti alone, an estimated 1.60 crore devotees took the holy dip by noon, marking the grand start of the Mahakumbh 2025, which runs until February 26.
The satellite imagery and real-time data monitoring are expected to play a vital role in ensuring the safety and smooth management of the massive crowd during the mela.
