Prepare for an awe-inspiring celestial journey as Nakshatra Sabha heads to the breathtaking valley of Benital, Chamoli! Imagine camping under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, while being guided through the wonders of the cosmos. From stargazing and astrophotography to nature hikes and cultural experiences, this event promises a holistic adventure for nature enthusiasts, astronomy lovers, and those seeking a magical escape. Don’t miss this chance to explore the universe from one of Uttarakhand’s most stunning natural amphitheaters!
Astronomy lies at the core of Nakshatra Sabha, and the Benital event promises an unparalleled experience under the pristine night skies of the Himalayas. Led by Starscapes’ expert Starguides, participants will delve into the universe’s mysteries through a blend of observation, education, and hands-on activities.
Equipment and Setup
Starscapes brings state-of-the-art telescopic equipment to every Nakshatra Sabha event, ensuring an immersive and high-quality stargazing experience. In Benital, participants will have access to advanced telescopes; equipped with high-definition eyepieces and filters, these telescopes offer crystal-clear views of deep-sky objects, planets, and lunar features. Additionally, solar observation will be conducted using H-Alpha filters and solar goggles, allowing safe and detailed viewing of solar flares, prominences, and sunspots during the day.
November in Benital offers a feast of celestial delights, with clear skies and minimal light pollution. The New Moon phase during this time ensures dark conditions ideal for observing:
- The Taurids Meteor Shower:
Slow-moving, bright meteors will streak across the sky, providing a captivating display of natural fireworks that will be visible throughout the night.
- The Andromeda Galaxy (M31):
The largest galaxy in the Local Group and our Milky Way’s closest galactic neighbor. Participants will be able to see this spiral galaxy with the naked eye and explore its intricate details through telescopic observation.
- Star Clusters:
Using our high-powered telescopes, participants will explore the Pleiades (M45) and the Double Cluster in Perseus, both brilliant and easily recognizable features of the autumn night sky.
- The Orion Nebula:
The gas giants will still be visible in the early evening hours, providing a mesmerizing view of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s Galilean moons.
Navigating the night sky is a central part of the Nakshatra Sabha experience. Starscapes’ knowledgeable Starguides will lead attendees on an unforgettable tour of the cosmos, pointing out prominent constellations and teaching participants how to identify them using only the naked eye. Attendees will learn to use star maps and celestial coordinates to locate objects in the sky. This session will cover famous constellations like Pegasus, Perseus, and Taurus, connecting them to their mythological stories and historical significance in different cultures.
Astronomy by Day and Night: Experience the thrill of daytime solar observations using specialized solar goggles and H-Alpha filters, learning about our closest star, the Sun. As night falls, immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos, guided by experts through state-of-the-art telescopes.
Astrophotography: Capture the night sky in all its glory with expert-led astrophotography sessions. Learn tips and techniques to photograph constellations, the Milky Way, and celestial events, enhancing your understanding of the stars.
Hikes and Nature Walks: Discover the stunning landscapes of Benital through guided hikes, exploring the region’s diverse ecology and natural beauty. Morning walks will highlight the unique flora and fauna of the area, allowing you to connect with nature in a serene setting.
Birding: Benital is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Join early morning bird-watching excursions to spot some of the region’s most beautiful avian species, and learn about their adaptations to the local environment.
Cycling: Take a scenic cycling tour through the valley, breathing in the crisp mountain air and soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Live Music:Evenings will come alive with soulful live music around a cozy campfire, blending the magic of the stars with melodies that resonate with nature.
Workshops and Panel Discussions: Participate in engaging workshops and panel discussions on topics like astronomy, dark sky conservation, and the impact of light pollution. Exchange ideas with fellow stargazers and experts.
Activity Stations: Visit interactive DIY astronomy stations where you can learn to identify constellations, build your own simple telescopes, and delve into hands-on experiments that unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Merchandise: Take home a piece of the stars! Browse through a curated selection of astronomy-themed merchandise, including telescopes, stargazing guides, and Nakshatra Sabha souvenirs.
Benital’s unique aspect lies in its natural amphitheater formed by surrounding mountains, creating an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the sky. The location’s proximity to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve adds an ecological dimension to the event, allowing participants to learn about the impact of lunar cycles on local flora and fauna during guided hikes. The combination of breathtaking mountain views and the Taurids meteor shower makes this a must-attend event for both astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The valley is part of the greater Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, offering a pristine natural environment perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
By Air
The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, from where you can continue your journey by road.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 200 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Benital.
By Road
Benital is approximately 400 km from Delhi and 250 km from Dehradun. You can drive via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag, enjoying the scenic mountain roads.
The event will span from November 8th to 10th, a period coinciding with the Taurids meteor shower. This meteor shower, known for its slow-moving yet bright meteors, will be visible in the night sky, offering participants a celestial spectacle. The post-monsoon season in November ensures clear skies, and the New Moon phase during this time will provide dark conditions, perfect for deep-sky observations of star clusters, galaxies, and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Do’s and Don’t
Do’s
- Bring reusable water bottles and use the refill stations provided to minimize plastic waste.
- Use the designated trails during hikes to protect the natural habitat.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting nearby villages or temples.
Dont’s
- Do not litter; use the recycling and waste disposal bins available at the campsite.
- Avoid using bright lights at night to preserve the dark sky experience for everyone.
- Do not disturb wildlife or remove any natural elements from their environment.
Warm clothing (temperatures can drop significantly at night)
Comfortable shoes for hiking and walking
Reusable water bottle and personal cutlery
Flashlight or headlamp with a red light mode (to preserve night vision)
Binoculars and a camera (if you wish to try your hand at astrophotography)
Personal medication and a basic first aid kit
Day Pass: ₹999 – Includes access to the event’s activities, workshops, and DIY astronomy stations (meals and accommodation not included).
Single Camping Package: ₹7,000 – Includes a tent equipped with sleeping bags, mats, and pillows, along with all meals and access to all activities.
Couple Camping Package: ₹9,999 – Includes a tent for two with all camping amenities, meals, and access to activities. Children aged 6-12 sharing the tent will be charged ₹5,000. Children above 12 will be charged the full rate.
Note: Tents are designed for a couple with a small child; additional family members should book an extra tent.
At Nakshatra Sabha, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty of Benital and minimizing our environmental impact. We enforce a zero-waste policy, encouraging all participants to bring reusable containers and avoid single-use plastics. Waste segregation bins, composting practices, and recycling will be integral to the event. By consciously reducing our waste footprint, we aim to leave Benital as pristine as we found it, ensuring a sustainable stargazing experience for future generations.
