The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in partnership with Starscapes successfully concluded the third event of the Nakshatra Sabha series at Benital after their massive success of the first two events at Mussoorie and Jageshwar.

The Nakshatra Sabha series has seen great interest in stargazing and astronomy-related activities, attracting a diverse array of participants. Each venue offered an exceptional astro-tourism experience that sparked interest of participants from all over India and even drew enthusiasts from France and Norway. The events provided a blend of astronomy, local culture, and sustainable tourism, setting an example for dark sky conservation and eco-friendly travel.

Each edition of Nakshatra Sabha has featured well-known astronomers and environmental experts who shared knowledge on celestial observation, dark sky preservation, and the latest sustainable tourism practices. Participants had a chance to interact with industry stalwarts like Dr Shylaja BS an Indian Institute of Astrophysics alumni who also served as Director at Bengaluru Planetarium. Additionally, Dr T V Venkateshwaran was also one of the dignitaries present. Shylaja, an esteemed astronomer and scholar, is celebrated for her deep expertise in Indian astronomical history and celestial phenomena. Dr. Venkateswaran, a senior scientist at Vigyan Prasar, brings over 20 years of experience in science communication, known for his skill in making complex scientific ideas accessible to all. The inaugural event, held at George Everest in Mussoorie, was graced by esteemed experts, including Dr. Dipankar Bannerjee, Director of ARIES (Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences), Dr. Prabhas Pandey, Professor at Delhi University, and tourism experts from Maldives.

In each edition, participants have interactive sessions on topics such as the legacy of Aryabhata, Nakshatra knowledge, and the historical evolution of astronomy and mathematics in India. Expert-led workshops and panels delve into the principles of dark sky conservation, the importance of minimizing light pollution, and practical stargazing techniques.

The Nakshatra Sabha series not only gives a chance for tourists to engage in astronomy but also showcases the importance of preserving Uttarakhand’s natural beauty. In line with this vision, the events prioritize sustainable practices, including a strict no-trace policy. Participants are encouraged to bring reusable containers, such as flasks and rice husk cups, and to avoid single-use plastics. Each location is prepared to maintain its pristine condition with pre- and post-checks done to ensure minimal environmental impact.

In addition, to give tourists a glimpse into the region’s rich culture, Starscapes has partnered with local homestays and guides, fostering a sense of community and offering visitors an immersive introduction to local culture. Uttarakhand Tourism has further engaged local teams in event setup and management, emphasizing community involvement and building local expertise in dark sky tourism.

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”

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 campaign has garnered widespread attention with many tourists expressing interest in participating in the upcoming editions.  Uttarakhand Tourism is also witnessing increased interest from astronomy enthusiasts and adventure seekers, eager to experience the state’s unique astro-tourism offerings and scenic beauty under star-filled skies.

The Nakshatra Sabha campaign has also established strategic partnerships to reach a wider audience of astronomy enthusiasts. Starscapes teamed up with Magucho, an experiential aggregator platform founded by actor Gul Panag, to feature Nakshatra Sabha on the platform and allow participants to book their spots seamlessly.

Commenting on the interest in Nakshatra Sabha, Gul Panag, Founder, Magucho, said, “Commenting on the interest in Nakshatra Sabha, Gul Panag, Founder, Magucho, said, “Nakshatra Sabha is the first Astro Tourism campaign that was listed on Magucho and we are thrilled with the kind of response it has received. Our mission at Magucho is to curate  meaningful experiences, and this event has provided exactly that for enthusiasts booking through our platform. We look forward to hosting more events that bring unique astronomy experiences to our customers.”

The campaign, spanning until mid-2025, will now travel to Takula in Nainital in November 2024 followed by Kartikswami Temple at Rudraprayag in February 2025 and Gurkha Fort at Pithoragarh in March 2025 to cover various dark sky potential sites .