ISRO, not Sunita Williams, took Kumbh Mela photo

An image claiming to show the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, is being falsely attributed to astronaut Sunita Williams. The photograph was actually released by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in January. The misleading claim suggests that Falguni Pandya, Williams' cousin, shared the image with her from space. However, fact-checking reveals that the photo is an official satellite image from ISRO, which documented preparations for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. Articles from Hindustan Times and Indian Express confirmed that this image was part of ISRO’s satellite imaging efforts. These reports highlighted temporary infrastructure being set up along the River Ganges for the event. Further checks led to a document from the National Remote Sensing Centre, which also featured the same image. Although Pandya mentioned seeing how Kumbh looks from space, it is clear that the photo did not originate from Williams. The image was officially released by ISRO, dispelling the initial claims.