Uttarakhand : The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in collaboration with Starscapes, India’s leading astro tourism company, is excited to announce the next events of the ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ series. This unique initiative, which marks India’s first-ever astro tourism campaign, will take place in the historic temple town of Jageshwar from 4th October 2024 to 6th October 2024, and in Benital from 8th November 2024 to 10th November 2024.
Nakshatra Sabha is India’s first-ever astro tourism campaign that offers a holistic astronomy experience. Following the success of its inaugural event, the series now travels to the temple town Jageshwar and the meadows of Benital.
Jageshwar, nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand, is renowned for its rich heritage and spiritual significance. The town is home to over 100 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities. These temples, constructed in the Nagara style of architecture, are set against the breathtaking backdrop of dense deodar forests and the serene Jataganga river, creating a tranquil and mystical atmosphere. This historic and spiritual ambiance makes Jageshwar an ideal location for the next chapter of Nakshatra Sabha, blending celestial wonders with the profound heritage of Jageshwar. Similarly, the remote and elevated location of Benital in the Chamoli district offers a different but equally captivating celestial experience. Situated at a height of 2500 meters above sea level, Benital is an untouched beauty with low light pollution offering unimaginable views of the night sky. Hence, making it a perfect destination for stargazers.
Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, said, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to our first event and are eager to bring Nakshatra Sabha to the historic town of Jageshwar and the pristine locale of Benital. Our goal at Starscapes is to make astro tourism accessible to everyone. Jageshwar, traditionally known as a pilgrimage site, will now also be known for stargazing and astro-tourism activities. Benital, with its untouched beauty and clear skies, offers an unparalleled stargazing experience. Both locations promise unforgettable experiences for all attendees, blending cultural heritage with the celestial wonders of the cosmos”
Sachin Kurve, Secretary Tourism & CEO, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board “Jageshwar offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience the magnificence of ancient temples alongside the magic of the cosmos. Benital, on the other hand, is a haven for stargazers. Events like Nakshatra Sabha promote our cultural and natural heritage and strengthen local economies, creating livelihood opportunities for many. This initiative underscores our commitment to promoting diverse forms of tourism in Uttarakhand. We invite everyone to come and witness this extraordinary blend of spirituality and astronomy.”
Events at Nakshatra Sabha, Jageshwar
● Astrophotography with Monuments: Experience the mesmerizing combination of ancient architecture and celestial events with “Astrophotography with Monuments” sessions
● Temple Architecture and Astronomy: Delve into the fascinating world of Temple Architecture and Astronomy at Nakshatra Sabha. This exploration focuses on how the ancient builders of Jageshwar utilized astronomical knowledge to design and orient their sacred structures.
● Historical Celestial Alignments Exploration: Dive into the fascinating world where history and astronomy intersect. This event explores how ancient civilizations in the Uttarakhand region used celestial events to plan and construct their sacred temples and structures.
● Eco-Astronomy Trails: Embark on guided eco-astronomy trails where the natural ecosystem and celestial observations blend into a harmonious experience. These trails are designed to showcase the unique flora and fauna of Uttarakhand during the day, while the night offers spectacular stargazing opportunities
Events at Nakshatra Sabha, Benital
● Celestial Observations: Gaze into the depths of the universe through our state-of-the-art telescopes. Perfect for both astronomy beginners and seasoned stargazers.
● Workshops on Astronomy and Physics: Unravel the mysteries of the cosmos in interactive sessions that cater to curious minds of all ages.
● Astrophotography Sessions: Capture the twinkling night sky with tips from experts. Suitable for both novices and skilled photographers.
● Night-Sky Navigation: Learn to navigate the stars and uncover the constellations that have guided explorers through the ages.
● Adventurous Hikes and Scenic Tours: Explore Uttarakhand’s natural splendor through guided hikes and scenic tours, showcasing the region’s diverse ecology.
● Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture with live music, traditional storytelling, and folklore around a cozy campfire.
The campaign, spanning until mid-2025, will cover various dark sky potential sites across Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Chamoli, besides seminars and webinars with experts.
