The Uttarakhand government organized India’s first-ever astro-tourism event called ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ in Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hills’, on June 1 and 2, 2024. The inaugural event was held at the George Everest Peak, famous for its breathtaking views of the Doon Valley and the snow-capped Himalayas.
Boosting Tourism in the Himalayan State
Uttarakhand, known for its spiritual tourism and popular Hindu pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, aims to promote itself as a multidimensional tourist destination. The state’s scenic mountains, clean environment, and natural beauty hold the potential to attract millions of tourists.
The Goal of Astro-Tourism
The Uttarakhand government’s astro-tourism initiative aims to attract astronomy enthusiasts, adventurers, and travelers to marvel at the wonders of the universe while enjoying the state’s natural splendor. Astro-tourism promises skill development opportunities for locals interested in astronomy and tourism, while boosting local economies.
Dark Sky Conservation and Preservation
To further enhance astro-tourism, the state government plans to create dedicated dark sky conservatories throughout Uttarakhand, implementing a region-wide dark sky preservation policy.
Organizers and Future Plans
The ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ was organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in collaboration with the leading private astro-tourism company, Starscapes. Following the success of the Mussoorie event, the government plans to host similar astro-tourism events in other locations such as Harsil-Jadung, Benital, Rishikesh, Jageshwar, and Ramnagar.
Activities at the Astro-Tourism Event
During the event, tourists were introduced to stargazing through specialized equipment, solar observation using solar glasses and H-Alpha filters, and astrophotography lessons from experts. Discussions, talks, competitions, and astronomical demonstrations were organized to engage tourists and promote astro-tourism.
Embracing the Night Sky
Uttarakhand’s astro-tourism initiative, ‘Nakshatra Sabha’, is a first-of-its-kind endeavor in India, aimed at showcasing the state’s natural beauty and promoting tourism through the wonders of the night sky. By combining adventure, skill development, and economic opportunities, this initiative promises to elevate Uttarakhand’s position as a multidimensional tourist destination.
