Nakshatra Sabha is a year-long series of immersive astro-tourism events organized by Starscapes in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. The series traverses various dark sky locations across Uttarakhand, offering a unique blend of celestial observations, astrophotography sessions, cultural immersion, and an exploration of astronomy’s relationship with local heritage. Each edition of Nakshatra Sabha is carefully curated to showcase the region’s natural beauty, cultural significance, and astronomical wonders, making astronomy accessible and engaging for participants of all ages.
The Nakshatra Sabha series is driven by a mission to promote dark sky conservation and raise awareness about the adverse effects of light pollution on astronomy, wildlife, and human health. By bringing people closer to the cosmos, we strive to inspire a shared responsibility toward preserving our natural skies. The events not only emphasize the importance of minimizing light pollution but also showcase how traditional architecture and local practices have historically aligned with the rhythms of the universe. Together, we aim to foster a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to stargazing and nurture a community of dark sky advocates.
In alignment with our commitment to environmental sustainability, Nakshatra Sabha adopts a strict zero-waste policy for all its events. This includes promoting the use of reusable containers, avoiding single-use plastics, and encouraging participants to leave no trace at the event locations. Waste segregation bins, composting, and recycling are integral to our on-site practices. We also engage with local communities and vendors to ensure that our events support eco-friendly practices and enhance local economies without compromising the natural beauty of these locations.
Upcoming Events
(November 8 - 10, 2024)
This event will take place in the scenic Benital valley, known for its stunning natural amphitheater formed by the surrounding mountains. Unique to this event is the Taurids meteor shower, which will grace the skies during this time, offering a slow-moving display of bright meteors. Benital is also located near the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, adding an ecological aspect to the stargazing experience as participants learn about the effects of lunar cycles on local flora and fauna.
(November 29 - December 1, 2024)
Takula, located near the popular tourist destination of Nainital, provides an excellent view of the winter Milky Way. The highlight of this event will be observing the Andromeda Galaxy, visible to the naked eye during this period. Participants will also explore Nainital’s rich cultural heritage, including local legends related to the stars and the lake’s formation. A night hike will offer a guided tour of the constellations, incorporating stories from Indian mythology.
(February 28 - March 2, 2025)
Held close to the revered Kartikswamy Temple, this event combines spirituality and astronomy. Participants will have the opportunity to view the Virgo Cluster of galaxies through telescopes, a rare sight in the clear February skies. The temple’s strategic location on a cliff provides an unobstructed view of the horizon, ideal for sunrise and sunset observations, and learning about their significance in Hindu cosmology.
(March 21 - 23, 2025)
Gurkha Fort, perched atop a hill, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the night sky, making it an ideal stargazing spot. The event coincides with the spring equinox, allowing participants to observe the nearly equal length of day and night. Workshops will focus on equinox-related phenomena and how ancient civilizations used this natural event to mark time. The local fort’s historical background will be explored, revealing its strategic significance in both terrestrial navigation and celestial alignments.
(Mid-January 2025)
A seminar dedicated to dark sky conservation will be held in Kausani. This gathering will bring together astronomers, environmentalists, and local authorities to discuss best practices for minimizing light pollution, fostering sustainable astro-tourism, and preserving Uttarakhand’s natural heritage.
Past Events
The event was held at the iconic George Everest House, offering participants a unique historical and cultural experience. Stargazing sessions were complemented by celestial observations of the planet Saturn and a deep dive into the relationship between George Everest’s work in geodesy and astronomy.
Set amidst ancient temple architecture, the Jageshwar event explored how the alignment of these temples corresponded with celestial bodies, adding a mystical dimension to stargazing. Participants also witnessed the Draconids meteor shower under the clear post-monsoon skies, providing an awe-inspiring spectacle.
