Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has collaborated with Starscapes, an astro-tourism company, to introduce 'Nakshatra Sabha' - India's inaugural annual campaign solely dedicated to promoting astro-tourism.
The campaign is scheduled to commence in early June at George Everest, Mussoorie, extending until mid-2025. It will encompass a series of immersive events across various locations in Uttarakhand.
Nakshatra Sabha will explore dark sky potential sites in Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli districts, complemented by seminars and webinars featuring expert insights.
The campaign promises a comprehensive astro-tourism experience, including stargazing, special solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars, alongside professional training opportunities for local residents.
Uttarakhand aims to position itself as a leading destination for astronomy-focused travel, showcasing its rich heritage and inviting visitors worldwide to experience the marvels of the universe.
Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, highlights the success of past astronomy-related events and the decision to curate an annual astro-tourism campaign on a larger scale in collaboration with the Tourism Development Board.
Credit: Starscapes
The campaign emphasizes the preservation of dark skies and advocates for the formulation and implementation of a dark sky preservation policy in Uttarakhand.
Credit: Starscapes
Nakshatra Sabha will feature stargazing sessions, expert talks, astrophotography contests, and special solar observations aligned with the Aditya mission and solar activity peaks.
With its unique geographical features and minimal light pollution, Uttarakhand is poised to emerge as a premier astro-tourism destination in India, offering unparalleled experiences for enthusiasts and tourists alike.