The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in collaboration with Starscapes, successfully concluded the third edition of the Nakshatra Sabha series in Benital. Building on the success of events in Mussoorie and Jageshwar, the series continues to attract stargazing enthusiasts from across India and even as far as France and Norway.
Commenting on the success of the first three events, Sachin Kurve, Secretary of Tourism & CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, “Nakshatra Sabha is transforming Uttarakhand into a key destination for astro-tourism and it stands as an example for environmentally conscious travel experience. Nakshatra Sabha is truly bringing out the hidden treasures of Uttarakhand and the massive potential it has to be a dark sky destination. With each event, we are attracting visitors of all ages—some are seasoned astronomy enthusiasts, while others are first-time explorers who are in awe of what our universe has to offer”
Combining astronomy with local culture and sustainable tourism, Nakshatra Sabha has become a model for eco-friendly travel and dark sky conservation. Renowned astronomers and experts, including Dr Shylaja BS, an alumna of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and Dr TV Venkateshwaran, a senior scientist at Vigyan Prasar, headlined the events. Their insights into celestial observation, India’s astronomical heritage, and sustainable practices captivated participants.
The inaugural event at George Everest in Mussoorie featured esteemed figures such as Dr. Dipankar Bannerjee, Director of ARIES, and Dr Prabhas Pandey, Professor at Delhi University. Discussions delved into Aryabhata’s legacy, Nakshatra knowledge, and the evolution of Indian astronomy and mathematics.
Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, “Nakshatra Sabha is not just an event, but a movement to connect people with the stars and the natural world around them. By bringing together astronomy, sustainable tourism, and community engagement, we are creating experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for both the cosmos and our planet. The overwhelming response from participants underscores the growing interest in dark sky conservation and astro-tourism, and we are excited to continue expanding this initiative across Uttarakhand”.
The Nakshatra Sabha series will continue through mid-2025, with upcoming events planned in Takula (Nainital) in November 2024, Kartikswami Temple (Rudraprayag) in February 2025, and Gurkha Fort (Pithoragarh) in March 2025, further showcasing Uttarakhand’s potential as a dark sky tourism destination.
Beyond stargazing, the series promotes eco-consciousness with a strict no-trace policy. Participants are encouraged to use reusable flasks and avoid single-use plastics, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Starscapes has also partnered with local homestays and guides, offering visitors an authentic cultural experience while fostering community involvement.
