{"id":382734,"date":"2026-03-13T07:18:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T07:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/382734\/"},"modified":"2026-03-13T07:18:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T07:18:11","slug":"mumbaikars-ditch-the-city-lights-for-starry-nights-events-movie-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/382734\/","title":{"rendered":"Mumbaikars ditch the city lights for starry nights | Events Movie News"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MumbaikarsMumbaikars are escaping city light pollution for organized stargazing events on the outskirts. Destinations like Bhandardara and Malshej offer clear skies, allowing participants to explore planets, galaxies, and the Milky Way through powerful telescopes. This trend blends science and adventure, providing a unique connection to the cosmos. On most nights in Mumbai, the sky is reduced to a hazy canvas of city lights and towering buildings. But increasingly, Mumbaikars are discovering that just a few hours away from the city, the night sky opens up into a breathtaking spectacle. From families and young professionals to curious children, many are now travelling to the outskirts of the city for organised stargazing events; a trend that blends science, adventure and quiet wonder. Across destinations like Bhandardara, Junnar and Malshej, groups gather late into the night, lying on open fields and peering through telescopes, discovering a sky that many city dwellers have rarely seen before. \"MixCollage-13-Mar-2026-09-22-AM-3003\"Looking up: what stargazing really means Stargazing may sound simple – looking at stars – but organisers say the experience goes far beyond that. Astrophysicist Gaurav Bhoir from Bhandup explains that these events are designed to introduce people to astronomy in an accessible way. \u201cStargazing literally means looking up at the stars, which itself is an intriguing feeling, but we take not one but many steps further where we dive deep into astronomy, explaining different celestial objects in a simple and fun way,\u201d he says. Participants first learn about planets, constellations and galaxies before viewing them through high-powered telescopes. \u201cPost that we show them the different objects through our powerful telescopes,\u201d Gaurav adds. Escaping the city lights The biggest challenge for stargazing within Mumbai is light pollution. The glow from streetlights, buildings and traffic obscures much of the night sky. \u201cThat is why many organisers hold events far from the city,\u201d Gaurav explains. \u201cMumbai being a mega city gives out lots of light and other kinds of pollution which are not ideal for stargazing. There are certain places far from highways or towns around Bhandardara, and also in Junnar and Malshej, which are ideal for it.\u201d These locations offer darker skies, allowing participants to spot distant galaxies, star clusters and planets with clarity. From hobby to shared experience For some organisers, stargazing began as a personal passion before turning into a way to connect others with the cosmos. Kapil J, a Mumbai-based organiser, says his fascination with astronomy began in school. Today, he hosts curated stargazing experiences outside the city. \u201cI have been into astronomy since school and am now trying to introduce it to others,\u201d he says. \u201cSo far, I have hosted over 3,000 explorers from Mumbai in small groups to watch the stars in the outskirts of the city. We also have some of the most powerful telescopes.\u201d A sky many have never seen For most participants, the biggest draw is seeing a sky full of stars – something many urban residents rarely experience. \u201cOne of the most common reasons people join is that, being from cities, they have never seen a sky full of stars or the Milky Way galaxy with their naked eyes,\u201d Gaurav says. \u201cSecond is the break from usual outings like treks and camping and experiencing something new.\u201d Moments of awe For those who attend, the experience often becomes unforgettable. Ashwini Gode, a jewellery designer from Airoli who recently attended a stargazing excursion, recalls the quiet magic of the night. \u201cWatching the starlit sky lying on the ground and seeing Saturn\u2019s rings and the Andromeda galaxy through the telescope was incredible,\u201d she says. Sometimes the experience sparks curiosity beyond the event itself. \u201cThe biggest challenge I had was not during the event but after it,\u201d she laughs. \u201cMy son, who is 11 now, wants a telescope. It\u2019s a great thing and we will probably get it during his summer vacations.\u201d The journey for a clearer sky While the long drive out of Mumbai may seem like a hurdle, many say it is part of the experience. Anna Singh from Pali Hill, currently on a sabbatical, says the distance was the only real challenge – but also a reminder of what city life costs. \u201cI loved the entire experience and it wasn\u2019t tough at all,\u201d she says. \u201cIf I had to choose one challenge, it would be the distance. But that\u2019s what stargazing is about. It has to be far. We had to travel so far just to get a clear sky.\u201d She adds thoughtfully, \u201cCity life comes at the cost of a hazy sky, and in a way we are all responsible for that.\u201d Top 10 stargazing spots near Mumbai\u00ab Bhandardara: One of the darkest skies near Mumbai, perfect for spotting the Milky Way and distant galaxies.\u00ab Naneghat: This historic mountain pass offers wide horizons and excellent views of meteor showers.\u00ab Malshej Ghat: Away from city lights, the Sahyadri cliffs make for a dramatic stargazing backdrop.\u00ab Vaitarna Lake: A quiet lakeside setting popular with astrophotographers and astronomy groups.\u00ab Mahuli Village (Asangaon): A favourite spot for organised astronomy camps thanks to its clear skies.\u00ab Dehene Village: A peaceful Sahyadri village emerging as a hotspot for astro-tourism.\u00ab Pawna Lake: Lakeside camping combined with star-filled skies makes it ideal for beginners.\u00ab Sandhan Valley: Remote terrain and minimal light pollution create excellent night-sky viewing conditions.\u00ab Rajmachi: Trek to this hilltop fort area and be rewarded with sweeping views of the night sky.\u00ab Kaas Plateau (Satara): A little farther from Mumbai, but its high altitude and dark skies make it exceptional for stargazing.Things to keep in mind before a stargazing trip<\/p>\n