The event was inaugurated by renowned scientists Shylaja B and Dr. T V Venkateswaran. Shylaja, a distinguished astronomer and scholar, is known for her expertise in Indian astronomical history and celestial events. Dr. Venkateswaran, a senior scientist at Vigyan Prasar, has over two decades of experience in science communication, making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public.

Nakshatra Sabha is a year-long campaign running until mid-2025, featuring a series of immersive events at dark sky locations across Uttarakhand, including Benital, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and the famous Kartiswamy temple at Rudraprayag . Each location for Nakshatra Sabha is carefully chosen to bring out the uniqueness of each region. Jageshwar, the current site of the event, is a perfect example for this. Nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand, Jageshwar 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 a campaign like Nakshatra Sabha.

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. Our goal at Starscapes is to make astronomy and the cosmos easily accessible and an experience they will remember for a lifetime. Jageshwar, traditionally known as a pilgrimage site, will now also be known for stargazing and astro-tourism activities. 

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. 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. 

For more information and to register, visit Nakshatra Sabha 2024.

About Starscapes:

Starscapes is India’s premier experiential astronomy venture, dedicated to promoting sustainable live and online celestial exploration. With a nationwide network of observatories, skilled teams, school and hospitality affiliates, and eco-friendly initiatives, Starscapes strives to enrich education and provide unforgettable cosmic experiences.

Contact Information:

Madhura Puranik

[email protected]

+91 9845552640

Aarshi Sharma

[email protected]

+91 88798 29231