The District Administration, Hamirpur in collaboration with SPACE India, is organising “Antariksh Darshan – Astro Carnival” from 23rd to 27th March 2026 at Jila Stadium, Hamirpur.
Envisioned as a large-scale, immersive science outreach initiative, Antariksh Darshan seeks to transform public spaces into dynamic learning environments where astronomy, experiential science, and community participation converge. The programme is designed to engage students, educators, families, and the general public through a curated blend of observational astronomy, interactive exhibits, and experiential learning modules.
At the heart of the Astro Carnival will be the Digital Planetarium Experience, offering visitors a fully immersive dome-based exploration of the cosmos. Through scientifically curated visual narratives, audiences will journey across constellations, planetary systems, and celestial phenomena, fostering a deeper and more intuitive understanding of the universe.
Complementing this will be guided telescopic observation sessions, a key experiential component of the programme. Participants will engage in safe solar observations during the day using certified solar filters, followed by night sky observation sessions featuring the Moon and prominent planets through professionalgrade telescopes. These sessions will be facilitated by trained astronomy educators, enabling direct interaction with celestial objects.
The event will further feature Virtual Reality (VR) Experience Zones, designed to simulate space missions, astronaut training environments, and extra-vehicular activities, thereby offering participants an immersive glimpse into the realities of human space exploration.
Adding a hands-on dimension to the programme, the Astro Carnival will include interactive STEM-based activities, such as a DIY Sundial Making Workshop, introducing participants to traditional methods of timekeeping and the scientific principles governing the Sun’s apparent motion.
In addition, a Hydro Rocketry Workshop will be conducted for selected students, providing a practical introduction to the fundamentals of rocketry, propulsion, and aerodynamics. This activity aims to nurture scientific temperament and encourage inquiry-based learning through direct experimentation.
This initiative aligns with a broader vision to position Hamirpur as a promising destination for astro-tourism, leveraging its open landscapes and favourable sky conditions to promote astronomy-based experiences, scientific awareness, and sustainable educational tourism.
