The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in collaboration with Starscapes, is bringing an exciting new experience called Nakshatra Sabha, India's first-ever astro tourism campaign. This initiative blends stargazing with cultural heritage, offering a deep dive into the wonders of the cosmos in some of Uttarakhand's most scenic locations.
The next Nakshatra Sabha events will occur in Jageshwar from October 4 to October 6, 2024, followed by another in Benital from November 8 November to 10, 2024.
Jageshwar is a historic temple town in Uttarakhand's hills, known for its spiritual atmosphere and rich heritage. Home to over 100 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, these structures showcase beautiful Nagara-style architecture and are surrounded by dense deodar forests and the serene Jataganga River. This peaceful and mystical setting makes Jageshwar the perfect spot to blend stargazing with history and spirituality.
Benital, on the other hand, is located in Chamoli district and sits 2,500 meters above sea level. Known for its untouched beauty and low light pollution, Benital offers crystal-clear skies, making it a dream destination for stargazers.
The founder of Starscapes, Ramashish Ray, expressed excitement about the campaign's success and the upcoming events. He emphasised that Nakshatra Sabha aims to make Astro tourism accessible to everyone, turning Jageshwar into a stargazing hub and highlighting Benital's awe-inspiring celestial views.
Events at Jageshwar will feature astrophotography sessions with the ancient temples, explorations into how temple architecture aligns with astronomy, and guided eco-astronomy trails that merge Uttarakhand's natural beauty with celestial observations.
At Benital, participants will enjoy celestial observations through advanced telescopes, astronomy workshops, night-sky navigation, and adventurous hikes through Uttarakhand's scenic landscapes. Cultural experiences like live music and storytelling will add to the magic of the night.
This astro tourism campaign will continue through mid-2025, covering other beautiful dark sky locations in Uttarakhand, such as Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli. Along with the events, there will be seminars and webinars with experts, offering an unforgettable experience where nature, culture, and the cosmos come together.