Maharashtra Launches First-Ever Stargazing Festival at Lonar & Harihareshwar, Boosting Astro-Tourism

Maharashtra’s first stargazing fest begins at Lonar and Harihareshwar. Explore astro-tourism, dark sky awareness, and event highlights.

Pune | April 25, 2026: Maharashtra: In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at promoting astro-tourism and environmental awareness, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has launched the state’s maiden stargazing festival at Lonar Crater in Buldhana district and Harihareshwar Beach in Raigad. The three-day event, being held from April 24 to April 26, marks a significant step toward positioning Maharashtra as a destination for astronomy-based tourism.

The festival is being organised as part of MTDC’s golden jubilee celebrations and aligns with the global observance of International Dark Sky Week. Officials say the initiative is designed not just as a tourism activity but as an educational and environmental movement that highlights the importance of preserving natural night skies.

The concept of the festival has been developed in collaboration with AstronEra, an organisation dedicated to promoting astronomy awareness and combating light pollution. Founded by Pune-based astronomy enthusiast Shweta Kulkarni, AstronEra has been actively working to bring science closer to the public through interactive sky observation programs.

The event features a range of engaging activities, including expert-led astronomy sessions, live telescope observations, and interactive presentations. Visitors are given the opportunity to explore celestial bodies such as stars, planets, and constellations under minimal light pollution conditions-an experience rarely possible in urban areas.

Officials highlighted that both Lonar and Harihareshwar were carefully chosen for their unique geographical and environmental advantages. Lonar, known globally for its rare meteor-impact crater lake, offers an ideal dark-sky environment, while Harihareshwar’s coastal landscape provides a scenic and relatively low-light setting for skywatching.

Beyond tourism, the festival also aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of light pollution on ecosystems, human health, and astronomical observations. Experts involved in the event are educating participants on how reducing artificial lighting can help conserve energy and restore natural night environments.

Tourism officials believe that such initiatives can open new avenues for sustainable tourism in Maharashtra. By combining science, nature, and travel, astro-tourism is emerging as a niche but rapidly growing sector globally. The state government is reportedly exploring additional locations for similar experiences in the future, further strengthening Maharashtra’s tourism portfolio.

The event has also received support from key government figures, including Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai and Minister of State Indranil Naik, who see this as an opportunity to attract both domestic and international tourists interested in unique, experience-based travel.

With increasing urbanisation leading to the loss of visible night skies, initiatives like this stargazing festival aim to reconnect people with the cosmos while promoting responsible tourism practices. The response to the inaugural event is expected to shape the future of astro-tourism in the state.

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