AstroWeek 3 – Benital (2025)
Reclaiming the Night – From Myth to Milky Way
For centuries, Himalayan life followed the rhythm of the skies — from planting seasons to pilgrim journeys. At Benital, this edition revives that connection, where traditional cosmic heritage meets modern astro-technology.
Event Overview
Set in Benital, Chamoli (21–24 Nov 2025), this 3-night, 4-day festival unfolds at 2600 m (8,530 ft) amidst meadows, forests, and panoramic Himalayan peaks. By day, explore landscape photography walks and local culture; by night, lose yourself in telescopic skies and Milky Way arcs.
Activities
Astronomy & Science: Telescope sessions, astrophotography (mobile + DSLR), star trails, constellation mapping, satellite tracking.
Immersive Experiences: VR skywalks, ISS simulations, sky picnics with folk stories & acoustic music.
Culture & Heritage: Nakshatra storytelling, Vedic astronomy talks, folklore nights.
Exhibition: Gallery of photos from AstroWeek.
Event Flow (Tentative)
3 Nights / 4 Days of Cosmic Experience
- DAY 1 – 21 Nov (Arrival):
Check-in through the day, followed by an evening sky picnic, bonfire, and stories under the stars. - DAY 2 – 22 Nov (Workshops & Observation):
Guided telescope viewing, DSLR & mobile astrophotography sessions, golden-hour landscape walks, and night-sky photography practice with experts. - DAY 3 – 23 Nov (Workshops & Showcase): Post-processing & editing workshops, VR sky experiences, citizen-science activities, and an open-air astro-photo showcase followed by a closing bonfire.
- DAY 4 – 24 Nov (Departure):
Farewell tea breakfast, reflections, and breakfast before departure.
Geography & Setting
Perched at 2,600 m in Chamoli district, Benital is a serene alpine meadow encircled by oak and rhododendron forests, with a tranquil lake reflecting the Himalayas. The peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Hathi-Ghoda crown its horizon, making it a natural observatory.
Dark-Sky Value
With minimal light pollution and clear high-altitude air, Benital offers one of India’s purest night skies. Designated by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board as the state’s first Astro-Village, it is being developed with observation platforms, cottages, and dark-sky facilities.
Dark-Sky Value
Chamoli, known as the “abode of gods,” is home to sacred sites like Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, and the Valley of Flowers. For centuries, travelers and pilgrims looked to the stars here for guidance — a legacy AstroWeek now celebrates through science and storytelling.
Register Info
₹2,999/- all-inclusive (stay + meals + workshops).
Early bird offer for first 25 participants. Register via Google Form (QR embedded).
Refunds: 100% before Nov 1 (minus ₹500), 50% till Nov 10, none after.
🗓️ Date: Nov 21–24, 2025
📍 Location: Chamoli district, Benital.
🎟️ Registration Fee: ₹2,999/- all-inclusive (stay + meals + workshops).
Terms:-
-> Limited seats · First-come-first-served · Refunds applicable per policy.
-> Participants must carry tripod, flashlight, and warm clothing.