Nakshatra Sabha: A new astrotourism campaign aims to put Uttarakhand in the spotlight

Updated May 1, 2024 2:11 PM IST

In an effort to put the state on the astro-tourism map, this campaign by Uttarakhand Tourism and Starscapes aims to appeal to a new breed of travelers who want to look beyond Earth to the vast wonders of the universe.

A new Astro-tourism campaign aims to put Uttarakhand in the spotlight

There is a mystery in the sky and the stars that many travelers increasingly want to discover. It’s no wonder then that India is also home to dark sky reserves and astro-tourism initiatives to capitalize on this travel trend that entices stargazers and space enthusiasts to embark on journeys that go beyond the usual tourist destinations. Seeking skies free of light pollution and celestial spectacles waiting to be explored, astrotourists are drawn to locations that offer a unique blend of astronomy, adventure and cultural immersion.

And now, Uttarakhand Tourism has launched the country’s first-ever astrotourism campaign in collaboration Star signsan astrotourism company that promises a holistic experience for astronomy enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Uttarakhand Tourism has launched Nakshatra Sabha

All about Nakshatra Sabha

‘Nakshatra Sabha’, India’s first ever annual campaign, is solely dedicated to promoting Astro-tourism. Featuring experiences like stargazing, special solar sightings, astrophotography competitions, camping under the stars and much more, the first edition of this campaign will kick off at George Everest, Mussoorie in early June.

Nakshatra Sabha will run until mid-2025 and will offer a series of immersive events at various locations across the country Uttarakhand. This will cover potential Dark Sky sites in Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital and Chamoli districts, besides seminars and webinars with experts. This initiative aims to bring together astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers and travelers from all over the world to witness the beauty of the cosmos.

Nakshatra Sabha will run until mid-2025 and will offer a series of compelling events

Under the auspices of Uttarakhand Tourism, the campaign will not only provide skill development opportunities to local residents but also advocate for the conservation of dark skies in India. This includes the formulation of a dark sky conservation policy and its implementation across the region over the course of the year.

The role of constellations

Starscapes is India’s premier experiential astronomy venture, aimed at promoting sustainable live and online exploration of celestial bodies. The team, led by Nakshatra Sabha, will actively engage with local communities, travel and tourism partners, as well as homestays, and provide training and ongoing support to ensure successful implementation of these initiatives. The bigger goal is to put Uttarakhand on the global astrotourism map.

Here’s what to expect at Nakshatra Sabha

Stargazing via specialized equipment: Participants will have access to a wide range of specialized equipment and trained guides, providing unparalleled stargazing and sky observation opportunities.

Expert discussions on astrotourism: Renowned leaders from the travel industry and academia will lead engaging sessions, sharing insights and knowledge about the wonders of the universe.

Expect experiences such as stargazing, special solar observations and astrophotography competitions

Astrophotography competition: An exciting competition challenges participants to demonstrate their skills in capturing the breathtaking beauty of the night sky, with attractive rewards up for grabs.

Special solar observations: In line with the sun’s peak activity and the active Aditya mission, Nakshatra Sabha will have special solar telescopes, offering participants unique opportunities for observation and exploration.

Dark Sky Policy: Astrotourism is a win-win for local communities, which can benefit them economically while preserving dark skies. The campaign will raise awareness, train and create volunteers and dark sky ambassadors for this purpose

In an effort to put the state on the astro-tourism map, this campaign by Uttarakhand Tourism and Starscapes aims to appeal to a new breed of travelers who want to look beyond Earth to the vast wonders of the universe.

All about Nakshatra Sabha

The role of constellations

Here’s what to expect at Nakshatra Sabha

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