In partnership with Starscapes, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has introduced ‘Nakshatra Sabha,’ India’s inaugural astro tourism initiative. This campaign offers stargazing, solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping under the stars, aiming to captivate astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers, and travellers. The Secretary of Tourism expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing Uttarakhand’s potential as a prime destination for astronomy-focused travel. With its rich forest cover, nature-based tourism, accessibility from major cities, and robust hospitality sector, including homestays, Uttarakhand is set to attract astro-tourists globally. Kicking off in early June at George Everest in Mussoorie, Nakshatra Sabha will run until mid-2025, featuring immersive events across Uttarakhand, exploring night sky sites in Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli. The campaign also aims to boost local economies, offer professional training, and advocate for night sky preservation, fostering a community dedicated to dark sky conservation.
