AstronEra

The Tourism Department, Government of Maharashtra, along with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), is taking a pioneering step in promoting astro tourism and leading Maharashtra’s Dark Sky movement. Under the leadership of Shri. Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, in the presence of Deputy Secretary, (Tourism), Dept. of Tourism, and General Manager, MTDC, reaffirmed this commitment during ‘Khagol Darshan Mahotsav 2026’. Across the state, 11 pilot sites, proposed by AstronEra, have been identified for dark sky conservation and immersive stargazing experiences. As the endorsed partner of @darksky_intl in India, AstronEra will play a key role in gathering on-ground data from these locations, contributing to the development of a comprehensive Dark Sky policy for Maharashtra. This initiative not only preserves our night skies but also positions the state as a leading destination for sustainable and experiential astro tourism. ✨ #AstroTourism #DarkSky

🌌 On #nationalspaceday , Maharashtra leads India into a new era! Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis has announced the drafting of India’s first Dark Sky Policy, a bold step to tackle light pollution and protect our biodiversity, culture, health, and scientific progress. 🚀✨ This visionary commitment ensures that the starlit skies of Maharashtra remain a living classroom for generations to come. In his speech, the CM also acknowledged the global recognition earned by Shweta Kulkarni (Dark Sky Defender – Asia 2024), whose work has helped bring this issue to the forefront. 🌍 📹 Share widely to spread the word: India’s first Dark Sky Policy begins here in Maharashtra! #DarkSkyIndia #NationalSpaceDay #LightPollution #AstroTourism #Sustainability #Maharashtra #JaiMaharashtra #DarkSkyPolicy #DarkSkyConservation #DarkSkyMaharashtra #CMOMaharashtra #ChiefMinisterMahaarshtra @darksky_intl @unesco @unescoindia @undpinindia @unep @iau_org @iau_oad @bbcnews @guardian @nytimes @indiatimes @thebetterindia @natgeoindia @ndtv @indianexpress @timesofindia @cmomaharashtra_ @devendra_fadnavis @pmoindia_official @narendramodi @mahadgipr @tourismmaharashtraofficial

We are thrilled to announce that Pune’s Shweta Kulkarni Receives Prestigious Dark Sky Defender Award for Asia 2024. November 10, 2024 — In a groundbreaking achievement, Shweta Kulkarni ( @shweta_astron ) , Director of AstronEra and a passionate advocate for dark sky conservation, has been honored with the Dark Sky Defender Award for the Asia region by DarkSky International. This prestigious recognition, awarded to only six individuals or organizations worldwide each year, celebrates those who have made exceptional contributions to preserving night skies by promoting sustainable outdoor lighting practices. The Dark Sky Defender Award is one of the highest honors conferred by @darksky_intl , an organization dedicated to combating light pollution orldwide. Each year, the award is given to six outstanding individuals or organizations, one from each inhabited continent, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to preserving night skies and advocating for responsible lighting. Shweta Kulkarni’s achievement underscores India’s growing role in the global dark sky movement and highlights the powerful impact of grassroots initiatives that blend conservation with cultural heritage. #DarkSkyDefender #ProtectTheNight #SaveOurStars #DarkSkyAdvocate #FightLightPollution #StarryNightsForever#ReclaimTheNight #KeepItDark #PreserveOurSky #DefendTheDark #IDA

Hundreds of people in Maharashtra raised red-lit torches under the night sky choosing responsible lighting and actively supporting Dark Sky Conservation. 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 @astronera under the leadership of Shweta Kulkarni ( @shweta_astron ), was hosted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation ( MTDC @hellomtdc ). 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 @darksky_intl and partners worldwide. #DarkSky #AstroTourism #Maharashtra #AstronEra #DarkSkyWeek

खगोल दर्शन महोत्सव २०२६ दिवस 2️⃣ स्थळ : MTDC हरिहरेश्वर रिसॉर्ट 🏡 🎤 पर्यटक प्रतिक्रिया ४ #MTDC #MaharashtraTourism #MTDCHarihareshwar #HarihareshwarDiaries #KonkanStargazing #BeachSideStargazing @cmomaharashtra_ @mieknathshinde @sunetra.pawar @mlashambhurajdesai @naikindranil @AstronEra @mahadgipr

ही संधी सोडू नका! . . . [ AstronEra , Dark Sky , Interstellar ]

महाराष्ट्र शासनाच्या पर्यटन विभागामार्फत महाराष्ट्र पर्यटन विकास महामंडळाच्या सुवर्ण महोत्सवी वर्षाचे औचित्य साधून आंतरराष्ट्रीय डार्क स्काय सप्ताहानिमित्त खगोल दर्शन महोत्सव २०२६ चे आयोजन आजपासून दिनांक २४,२५,२६ एप्रिल २०२६ रोजी पर्यटक अभ्यागत केंद्र, लोणार आणि MTDC रिसॉर्ट हरिहरेश्वर येथे करण्यात आले आहे. तेव्हा या खगोल दर्शनाचा अविस्मरणीय क्षण अनुभवण्यासाठी सज्ज व्हा #stargazing #lonar #harihareshwar #maharashtra

To save the Dark Skies, Maharashtra government is leading the way for India by organising International Dark Sky Week Celebrations through “Khagol Darshan Mahotsav 2026” (Stargazing Fest 2026). The initiative is taken up by the Department of Tourism to celebrated the golden jubilee year of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation ( @hellomtdc ). The event is curated by @shweta_astron , founder and director of @astronera - an organisation endorsed by @darksky_intl The festival is free of cost and open for public to attend at MTDC Visitor’s Centre, Lonar, Dist Buldhana and at MTDC Resort Harihareshwar, dist Raigad. Various tourism activities are organised through the day while the stargazing event will be taking place from 7 PM to 11 PM. All the information is available on https://mtdc.co/en/whats-new #DarkSkymaharashtra #bringbackthenight #khagoldarshanmahotsav2026 #darksky

महाराष्ट्र पर्यटन विकास महामंडळ आणि पर्यटन विभाग, महाराष्ट्र शासन यांच्या सुवर्ण महोत्सवी वर्षानिमित्त, @hellomtdc सोबत @astronera तर्फे सादर — खगोल दर्शन महोत्सव २०२६ ✨ आंतरराष्ट्रीय Dark Sky Week निमित्त, प्रकाश प्रदूषणाबद्दल जागरूकता निर्माण करत ताऱ्यांच्या आकाशाचा एक अद्भुत आणि पूर्णपणे मोफत अनुभव 🌌 📍 स्थळ: लोणार – MTDC अभ्यागत केंद्र हरिहरेश्वर – MTDC Resort 📅 दिनांक: २४, २५, २६ एप्रिल 🕓 वेळ: दुपारी ४ ते रात्री ११ ⸻ 🔭 MTDC Dark Sky Experience — Free Public Programme * Drop-in allowed — कधीही या, अनुभव घ्या * No prior booking required ⚠️ प्रवास, राहण्याची आणि जेवणाची व्यवस्था स्वतः करावी ⸻ 🌠 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (सतत सुरू असलेले अनुभव) * खगोलशास्त्राची ओळख, इतिहास आणि दुर्बिणी समजून घेणे * दुर्बिणीतून Venus, Orion, Jupiter आणि Moon निरीक्षण * तारकासमूहांवर live sky storytelling * Open Q&A आणि guided sky navigation 🎬 Documentary Screenings (फक्त लोणार येथे) * 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM * 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM * 12:30 AM – 1:30 AM ⸻ ✨ कधीही या, थांबा, अनुभव घ्या… कारण आकाश कोणाचं खासगी नसतं — ते सगळ्यांसाठी असतं.

Tourism Department, Government of Maharashtra, on the occasion of their Golden Jubilee year of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation ( @hellomtdc ) in collaboration with @astronera , present: Astro Fest 2026 (Khagol Darshan Mahotsav)✨ @darksky_intl just celebrated International Dark Sky Week, we are now catching up by raising awareness about light pollution and offering a magical, completely free experience of the starry night sky 🌌 📍 Locations: Lonar – MTDC Tourist Centre Harihareshwar – MTDC Resort 📅 Dates: 24, 25, 26 April 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM 🔭 Free Public Programme • Drop-in allowed — come anytime and experience • No prior booking required ⚠️ Travel, accommodation, and meals must be arranged by participants 🌠 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM experience with our ISRO Certified @arceducators • Introduction to astronomy, its history, and understanding telescopes • Telescope observations of Venus, Orion, Jupiter, and the Moon • Live sky storytelling on constellations • Open Q&A and guided sky navigation 🎬 Documentary Screenings (only at Lonar) • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM • 12:30 AM – 1:30 AM ✨ Come anytime, stay, and immerse yourself… Because the sky doesn’t belong to anyone — it belongs to everyone. #darkskymaharashtra #mahaastrotourism #darksky #stargazing #IDSW2026

महाराष्ट्र पर्यटन विकास महामंडळ आणि पर्यटन विभाग, महाराष्ट्र शासन यांच्या सुवर्ण महोत्सवी वर्षानिमित्त, @hellomtdc सोबत @astronera तर्फे सादर — खगोल दर्शन महोत्सव २०२६ ✨ आंतरराष्ट्रीय Dark Sky Week निमित्त, प्रकाश प्रदूषणाबद्दल जागरूकता निर्माण करत ताऱ्यांच्या आकाशाचा एक अद्भुत आणि पूर्णपणे मोफत अनुभव 🌌 📍 स्थळ: लोणार – MTDC अभ्यागत केंद्र हरिहरेश्वर – MTDC Resort 📅 दिनांक: २४, २५, २६ एप्रिल 🕓 वेळ: दुपारी ४ ते रात्री ११ ⸻ 🔭 MTDC Dark Sky Experience — Free Public Programme * Drop-in allowed — कधीही या, अनुभव घ्या * No prior booking required ⚠️ प्रवास, राहण्याची आणि जेवणाची व्यवस्था स्वतः करावी ⸻ 🌠 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (सतत सुरू असलेले अनुभव) * खगोलशास्त्राची ओळख, इतिहास आणि दुर्बिणी समजून घेणे * दुर्बिणीतून Venus, Orion, Jupiter आणि Moon निरीक्षण * तारकासमूहांवर live sky storytelling * Open Q&A आणि guided sky navigation 🎬 Documentary Screenings (फक्त लोणार येथे) * 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM * 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM * 12:30 AM – 1:30 AM ⸻ ✨ कधीही या, थांबा, अनुभव घ्या… कारण आकाश कोणाचं खासगी नसतं — ते सगळ्यांसाठी असतं.

लहानपणी आपण छपरावर झोपून तारे मोजायचो.. कालांतराने प्रकाशाचे प्रदूषण वाढले आणि हा आनंद आपण गमावून बसलो. पण आता तेच ताऱ्यांनी टीमटीमणारे आकाश पुन्हा अनुभवायची संधी मिळत आहे. महाराष्ट्र पर्यटन विकास महामंडळ आणि पर्यटन विभाग, महाराष्ट्र शासन यांच्या सुवर्ण महोत्सवी वर्षानिमित्त, @hellomtdc सोबत @astronera तर्फे सादर — खगोल दर्शन महोत्सव २०२६ ✨ आंतरराष्ट्रीय Dark Sky Week निमित्त, प्रकाश प्रदूषणाबद्दल जागरूकता निर्माण करत ताऱ्यांच्या आकाशाचा एक अद्भुत आणि पूर्णपणे मोफत अनुभव 🌌 📍 स्थळ: लोणार – MTDC अभ्यागत केंद्र हरिहरेश्वर – MTDC Resort 📅 दिनांक: २४, २५, २६ एप्रिल 🕓 वेळ: दुपारी ४ ते रात्री ११ ⸻ 🔭 MTDC Dark Sky Experience — Free Public Programme • Drop-in allowed — कधीही या, अनुभव घ्या • No prior booking required ⚠️ प्रवास, राहण्याची आणि जेवणाची व्यवस्था स्वतः करावी ⸻ 🌠 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM • खगोलशास्त्राची ओळख, इतिहास आणि दुर्बिणी समजून घेणे • दुर्बिणीतून Venus, Orion, Jupiter आणि Moon निरीक्षण • तारकासमूहांवर live sky storytelling • Open Q&A आणि guided sky navigation 🎬 Documentary Screenings (फक्त लोणार येथे) • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM • 12:30 AM – 1:30 AM ⸻ ✨ कधीही या, थांबा, अनुभव घ्या… कारण आकाश कोणाचं खासगी नसतं — ते सगळ्यांसाठी असतं.