Sold-out stargazing events turn villages into Astro hubs in Uttarakhand

A groundbreaking initiative by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in collaboration with Starscapes is putting the Himalayan state on the global astro-tourism map. Called Nakshatra Sabha, the campaign has drawn sold-out crowds and visitors from across India and beyond ¡ª including Norway, France, and the Middle East ¡ª for immersive stargazing events under Uttarakhand¡¯s pristine night skies.

Held across seven scenic locations including Mussoorie, Jageshwar, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh, Nakshatra Sabha combines telescope viewings, astrophotography, mythology-infused sky tours, solar observations, and astronomy workshops. Social media buzz around the events has surpassed 3 million impressions, fueled by captivating images of constellations and crowds around telescopes.

Nakshatra Sabha

¡°This initiative has helped develop a new vertical ¡ª niche, sustainable tourism centered around astronomy,¡± said a spokesperson from Uttarakhand Tourism Board. Local communities, homestays, and artisans have also benefitted, turning remote villages into active tourism spots.

Nakshatra Sabha

The next phase focuses on reviving Uttarakhand¡¯s ¡°ghost villages¡± ¡ª sparsely populated rural areas with dark, pollution-free skies. Plans are underway to convert them into certified Dark Sky Villages by 2025, equipping locals with skills in astronomy and eco-tourism.

Nakshatra Sabha

Experts see Nakshatra Sabha as more than a tourism project ¡ª it's a movement combining science, culture, and rural revival. ¡°It¡¯s not about just looking at stars ¡ª it¡¯s about building futures around them,¡± said Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes.

With support from scientists, educators, and policy makers, the initiative positions Uttarakhand to become India¡¯s dark sky capital ¡ª shining a light on the potential of purpose-driven tourism.