Nakshatra Sabha: Astro Tourism Campaign Shines a Light on Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Tourism and Starscapes have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking astro tourism campaign, aiming to showcase the state’s celestial wonders and put it on the global astro tourism map. The campaign, named Nakshatra Sabha, is set to kick off in early June at George Everest, Mussoorie, offering a plethora of immersive experiences for astronomy enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.

With activities like stargazing, special solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars, Nakshatra Sabha promises a unique blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and astronomical exploration. The campaign will run until mid-2025, hosting events in various locations across Uttarakhand, including dark sky potential sites in districts like Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli.

Under the guidance of Uttarakhand Tourism, Nakshatra Sabha will not only provide skill development opportunities for local residents but also advocate for the preservation of dark skies in India. This includes the formulation of a dark sky preservation policy and its implementation throughout the region over the coming year.

Starscapes, India’s premier experiential astronomy venture, will play a crucial role in the campaign by collaborating with local communities, travel partners, and homestay communities to ensure the successful implementation of astro tourism initiatives. The ultimate goal is to position Uttarakhand as a top destination for astro tourism on the global stage.

Participants can look forward to stargazing through specialized equipment, expert talks on astro tourism, astrophotography contests, special solar observations, and the promotion of dark sky policies during Nakshatra Sabha. This campaign is not just about exploring the cosmos but also about fostering sustainable tourism practices and preserving the natural beauty of the night sky for future generations to enjoy.