Uttarakhand, a state renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, has embarked on a pioneering venture – Nakshatra Sabha, India’s first-ever astro tourism campaign. This initiative, launched by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in collaboration with Starscapes, India’s leading astro-tourism company, promises a transformative experience for astronomy enthusiasts and travellers alike.
India’s First-Ever Astro Tourism Campaign
Experience the magic of the night sky with #NakshatraSabha2024 – India’s premier Astro tourism campaign! Join us and be amazed by the beauty of the cosmos. Register today at https://t.co/uk0fdLrsMd and prepare to be star struck! 🌌
#Uttarakhandtourism #starscapes #astrotourism pic.twitter.com/TOiQIgsuDZ
— Uttarakhand Tourism (@UTDBofficial) May 22, 2024
The inaugural event held at the historic George Everest Peak in Mussoorie held great significance. Named after the famed surveyor Sir George Everest, the peak played a pivotal role in India’s meticulous trigonometric survey. Notably, Uttarakhand recently inaugurated the George Everest Cartography Museum, a testament to the region’s rich heritage in geographical exploration.
Nakshatra Sabha is a year-long astro tourism campaign in Uttarakhand, offering immersive events at various locations with exceptional dark sky potential. Participants can stargaze under the inky black canvas of the night sky, showcase their skills in a captivating contest, and camp under the celestial tapestry. The campaign aims to attract astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers, and globetrotters eager to witness the celestial spectacle.
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Empowering Local Communities For Sustainable Tourism
Nakshatra Sabha promotes community and responsibility through immersive experiences and training programmes for local residents. The campaign supports the preservation of dark skies and promotes responsible practices in Uttarakhand. Starscapes collaborates with local communities, travel partners, and homestays to execute initiatives, including a dark sky preservation policy. This initiative aims to foster a sense of responsibility and community involvement in the tourism industry.
Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes and Shri. Sachin Kurve, IAS, Secretary of Tourism and CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Board stated that by launching Nakshatra Sabha, Uttarakhand aspires to be India’s leader in astro tourism. This partnership goes beyond showcasing beauty; it protects dark skies and fosters appreciation for the night sky. It positions Uttarakhand as a prime stargazing destination while promoting sustainable tourism that respects the environment. Both parties welcome visitors to experience the magic of Uttarakhand.
Nakshatra Sabha is a unique event that offers a unique experience beyond stargazing. It features specialised telescopes, renowned speakers, and a competition for budding astrophotographers. It coincides with the sun’s peak activity, allowing special solar observations. The campaign also emphasises responsible tourism, introducing a dark sky policy, training volunteers, and creating a network of ambassadors to preserve Uttarakhand’s pristine night skies.
Cover Image Courtesy: Press Release