AstronEra

This April, Maharashtra set a national benchmark in Dark Sky Conservation and Astro Tourism 🌌

For the first time, a state government in India aligned with International Dark Sky Week through a structured, multi-location public programme.

The Khagol Darshan Mahotsav 2026, conceptualised and implemented by under the leadership of Shweta Kulkarni ( ), was hosted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation ( MTDC ).

What began as AstronEra’s pilot vision for Dark Sky Conservation and astro-tourism in Maharashtra has now evolved into a successful on-ground demonstration of science-led, sustainable tourism.

📍 Hosted at two significant sites:
Harihareshwar (Raigad) — connecting dark skies with coastal ecology and Olive Ridley turtle conservation

Lonar Crater (Buldhana) — integrating astronomy with geo-heritage and scientific significance

Key outcomes over three days:
• 1,200–2,000+ visitors, exceeding expectations
• 4.7/5 average experience rating
• ~50% non-local participation, highlighting strong astro-tourism potential
• Visible behavioural shifts supporting Dark Sky Conservation (red-light usage, awareness)

During the programme, the Tourism Department, Government of Maharashtra reaffirmed its commitment to the 11 pilot Dark Sky sites across the state—originally proposed by AstronEra, as the next step toward long-term conservation and astro-tourism development.

This Mahotsav served as a successful pilot demonstration of that larger vision.

We are grateful for the continued support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, MTDC, district administrations, and all partners who helped bring this vision to life.

The night sky is our shared heritage. Protecting it requires collective action, and Maharashtra has taken a strong first step.

We look forward to building on this momentum with and partners worldwide.

🌌 National Space Day 2025 | Maharashtra charts a new path for India’s skies
On this National Space Day, while the nation celebrates our achievements in space exploration 🚀, Maharashtra has taken a visionary step to protect the skies above us.

The Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra has announced that the state will draft India’s first Dark Sky Policy, recognising light pollution as a serious challenge to biodiversity, culture, health, and scientific progress.
This commitment positions Maharashtra as a national pioneer and a global leader in the growing movement for dark sky conservation.

We at AstronEra are humbled that the Chief Minister acknowledged the global recognition earned by our Director, Shweta Kulkarni (FRAS), (Dark Sky Defender – Asia 2024), and the policy research that has helped bring this issue to the forefront.

📹 Watch the Chief Minister’s full address:
https://youtu.be/2Nq47yMdIzU?si=OaVEq2Gh57Bec6Jh

📖 Read the Dark Sky Policy Roadmap for Maharashtra:
https://zenodo.org/records/15860666

✨ The night sky belongs to everyone. Protecting it is not nostalgia — it is an investment in curiosity, culture, and the future of our children.

Maharashtra Leads India in Dark Sky Conservation | Chief Minister’s National Space Day Address On National Space Day 2025, India celebrates its remarkable progress in space science and exploration But the night sky — our first laboratory, our cultural ...

“Yes, it’s about the stars,
But it’s also about access, equality, and cultural rights.
It’s about her love for India”

is an emerging dark sky strategist! a proud Maharashtrian, defending the stars.

Join our movement of protecting the dark sky.