A blood moon is a type of total lunar eclipse, when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon. Instead of going completely dark, the Moon appears
to glow in shades of red or copper. It is a beautiful site, one which you will be able to enjoy from September 6 to 8, 2025 in Jaisalmer, which is gearing to host the much-awaited Blood Moon Festival, turning Rajasthan’s Golden City into the perfect meeting point of culture, astronomy and desert adventure. The event is being organised by Starscapes, which is arguably India's most famous astrotourism initiative.
Blood Moon Festival, Jaisalmer
The festival’s centerpiece is the Blood Moon, a rare total lunar eclipse that will cast a deep red glow across the desert sky. The remote Shama Desert Camp makes the experience even more striking, far from the haze of city lights. Visitors can look forward to guided astronomy sessions, telescope-assisted views of Saturn and Jupiter, and photography workshops designed for both beginners and enthusiasts.Beyond the skywatching, the festival doubles as a celebration of Rajasthani culture. Evenings bring folk music and dance performances around the fire, paired with traditional cuisine. Storytelling sessions tie local legends to the night sky, while daytime tours of landmarks such as Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, and the Longewala War Memorial showcase the city’s heritage. The Blood Moon Festival isn’t just about spectacle. It creates opportunities for local artisans, musicians, and performers to share their craft with a global audience while drawing attention to sustainable tourism in the Thar Desert. It’s an event that connects the old and the new.
Astrotourism In India
In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in interest in astrotourism. While Starscapes was once one of the few players in the market, several initiatives have now been undertaken to promote the sector, including establishing dedicated astrotourism sites, developing infrastructure, and training local communities. The most notable example is the Ladakh Astronomical Observatory, a state-of-the-art facility in Hanle, Ladakh. The observatory allows visitors to explore the night sky through powerful telescopes and learn about astronomical research.Uttarakhand, with its vast forests, nature-based tourism, easy access from major cities, and a well-developed hospitality sector, including homestays, is the ideal choice for astro-tourists. To that end, the Uttarakhand Tourism Board had also launched Nakshatra Sabha, the country's first-ever astrotourism campaign, in collaboration with Starscapes in a bid to put the state on the astrotourism map.
Also Read: Did You Know Karan Johar's ‘The Traitors’ Was Shot At This Palace In Jaisalmer?
