Reclaiming the Night
From Myth to Milky Way.
AstroWeek is India’s pioneering community-driven astro-tourism festival series, a celebration of stars, science, and stories under the pristine Himalayan sky.Join us for AstroWeek 3rd Edition in Benital, Chamoli (21–24 Nov 2025).
Astroweek: 3rd Edition In Benital, Chamoli (21-24 Nov 2025).
Born in 2023 at Abbott Mount, AstroWeek began as a bold idea — to bring people closer to the cosmos and give new life to the Himalayan night skies. What started as a small gathering has grown into a movement blending astronomy, culture, and eco-tourism. Each edition opens a new window for communities, connecting science with local stories and travelers with untouched landscapes.
Benital, Chamoli
a dark-sky meadow where myth
meets modern science.
2025
Abbott Mount & Lohaghat
expanded into hybrid astro
and nature photography,
panels, and exhibitions.
2024
Abbott Mount
Champawat – the pilot
edition introducing India
to astro-tourism
2023
Why Dark Skies Matter
Heritage Value
Across cultures, the night sky has shaped calendars, rituals, and art. In India, nakshatras governed festivals and sowing seasons. The stars were once guides — for farmers, navigators, and storytellers alike.
Global Relevance
80% of the world’s people can no longer see the Milky Way. Yet nations like Chile, Namibia, and New Zealand have revived local economies through dark-sky tourism. Uttarakhand is perfectly poised to lead this movement in India.
Citizen Science & Sustainability
AstroWeek integrates visitors into global efforts like Globe at Night, encouraging participants to log sky brightness data — making every observer a contributor to conservation.
Uttarakhand’s Role
The Himalayas’ altitude, ecology, and spiritual heritage make the state a natural fit for dark-sky tourism. AstroWeek not only diversifies tourism beyond pilgrimages but also brings youth, science, and sustainability together.
