The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in collaboration with astro-tourism company Starscapes, recently completed the third event of the Nakshatra Sabha series at Benital, following successful events in Mussoorie and Jageshwar. This series has drawn strong interest from stargazing enthusiasts across India, and from as far as France and Norway, featuring astronomy activities and talks on sustainable tourism and dark sky preservation.
Each event brought together renowned astronomers and environmental experts, including Dr. Shylaja BS, former director of the Bengaluru Planetarium, and Dr. T. V. Venkateshwaran, senior scientist at Vigyan Prasar, who shared insights on celestial observation and the importance of conserving dark skies. Topics ranged from the legacy of Aryabhata to practical stargazing techniques and the impact of light pollution.
Nakshatra Sabha also promotes Uttarakhand’s natural heritage through sustainable practices like a no-trace policy and reusable materials. Local homestays and guides were engaged to offer visitors an immersive experience in the region's culture, while community teams managed event logistics, building local expertise in dark sky tourism.
Secretary of Tourism Sachin Kurve expressed enthusiasm, noting that the initiative positions Uttarakhand as a premier astro-tourism destination. Starscapes founder Ramashish Ray emphasized the goal of connecting people with the stars and nature, highlighting the positive response and growing interest in dark sky conservation.
The campaign will continue until mid-2025, with upcoming events at Takula in Nainital this November, Kartikswami Temple in Rudraprayag in February, and Gurkha Fort in Pithoragarh in March. In partnership with experiential platform Magucho, founded by actor Gul Panag, Nakshatra Sabha allows enthusiasts to book spots through the platform and explore unique astronomy experiences in Uttarakhand.