Witness the Blood Moon ascending over the Thar Desert in September
The Blood Moon Festival, a unique astro-tourism event hosted by Starscapes, is set to captivate stargazers and culture enthusiasts alike from September 6 to 8, 2025, at the Shama Desert Camp in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
This three-day event promises a comprehensive celestial and cultural experience, with the main attraction being the rare total lunar eclipse (blood moon) under the clear desert skies of India.
During the festival, guests can look forward to a variety of activities, including telescope-based skywatching, astrophotography workshops, constellation tours, and interactive sessions on planetary viewing, focusing on Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon's eclipse phases. Expert astronomers will provide real-time commentary, shedding light on the science, myths, and cultural stories behind the eclipse.
For those interested in capturing the event, tips on using both DSLRs and smartphones for astrophotography will be provided.
The festival also incorporates local heritage and culture. Attendees can participate in guided visits to historical sites such as Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), Gadisar Lake, and the Longewala War Memorial. Evenings will be spent around campfires, enjoying traditional Rajasthani cuisine and storytelling.
The remote location of the Shama Desert Camp and nearby Khuri Sand Dunes offer a crowd-free, pristine environment ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.
Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, commented that Jaisalmer offers one of the clearest skies in India during this time of year, making it an ideal location for a Lunar Eclipse viewing.
The Blood Moon Festival is open to individuals of all backgrounds, whether they are seasoned stargazers, budding astrophotographers, or simply curious about the universe. The ticket price is ₹14,999 per participant.
For bookings and inquiries, participants can reach out at [email protected] or call +91 96673 07015. This event blends astronomy, culture, and desert adventure into a unique experience in one of India’s best stargazing locations.
*Note: The event is suitable for all ages, beginners to seasoned stargazers.
References:
[1] Starscapes (2023). Blood Moon Festival. [Online]. Available: https://starscapes.zone/blood-moon-festival
[2] The Hindu (2023). Blood Moon Festival to be held in Jaisalmer. [Online]. Available: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/blood-moon-festival-to-be-held-in-jaisalmer/article67224935.ece
[3] Times of India (2023). Blood Moon Festival: A unique astro-tourism event in Jaisalmer. [Online]. Available: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaisalmer/blood-moon-festival-a-unique-astro-tourism-event-in-jaisalmer/articleshow/99999999.cms
- The Blood Moon Festival not only offers a captivating space-and-astronomy experience with the rare blood moon eclipse, but also immerses guests in a lifestyle rich with Indian culture and history.
- In addition to telescope-based skywatching and astrophotography workshops, festival attendees can explore local heritage sites like Jaisalmer Fort and enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine and storytelling.
- For those interested in travel, the Blood Moon Festival at the pristine Shama Desert Camp in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, offers a perfect blend of science, culture, and desert adventure, making it an unforgettable hybrid travel experience.
