In the timeless heart of Bundelkhand, where history breathes through carved stone and devotion rises with the first rays of dawn, an extraordinary transformation unfolded. The sacred precincts of the ancient Sun Temple in Mahoba became the stage for a celestial celebration, as Antariksh Darshan – Mahoba 2026 opened gateways to the universe for thousands of eager young minds and curious citizens.
Organised through the inspired collaboration between the District Administration, Mahoba and SPACE India, this four-day district-level space outreach programme, held from 11 to 14 February 2026, coincided with the Foundation Day of Janpad Mahoba, lending the initiative both ceremonial significance and collective pride. It emerged not merely as an event, but as a movement — where governance, heritage, science, and society converged to awaken wonder, curiosity, and aspiration.
The journey began with a traditional Aarti and collective prayer to the Sun, invoking India’s ancient cosmic reverence and blessing the pursuit of knowledge. This sacred opening seamlessly ushered participants into a realm of modern scientific discovery. The programme was envisioned and guided under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble District Magistrate, Mahoba, Ms Ghazal Bhardwaj, whose steadfast commitment to inclusive education and scientific empowerment shaped both the soul and scale of Antariksh Darshan.
The initiative was further enriched by the educational philosophy and strategic direction of the Founder of SPACE Group, Dr Sachin Bahmba, whose lifelong mission to democratise access to astronomy and STEM learning gave the programme its intellectual depth and experiential richness.
As temple bells echoed through ancient corridors, digital planetarium domes unfolded galaxies overhead, telescopes unveiled solar marvels, and virtual reality experiences carried students into orbit. The Sun Temple, once a sanctuary of worship, evolved into a living classroom — where tradition conversed with technology, and devotion met discovery. Here, beneath spires sculpted in solar homage, young explorers journeyed through nebulae, traced constellations, and discovered the silent poetry of the cosmos.
Across four luminous days, more than 2,000 students and 1,200 members of the general public immersed themselves in this cosmic voyage. Dedicated school slots until mid-day ensured structured learning, while open public sessions transformed evenings into communal celebrations of science. From distant villages, students arrived on foot, by bicycle, and aboard crowded public transport — carrying with them not only notebooks and curiosity, but unyielding determination. Their journeys stood as quiet anthems of aspiration, reminding us that when opportunity reaches the last mile, dreams learn to soar.
Night after night, telescopes revealed the Moon’s rugged beauty, Orion’s stellar nursery, and the shimmering Pleiades, while workshops, hands-on activities, and pop rocketry demonstrations transformed learning into play, and curiosity into conviction. In every wide-eyed gaze and whispered question lay the promise of a brighter scientific future.
The programme resonated far beyond the temple courtyard. Esteemed visits by senior judicial authorities, police leadership, municipal officials, and district administrators reaffirmed the collective governance-driven vision behind the initiative. Their presence strengthened the fabric of collaboration, enabling seamless operations, disciplined crowd management, and inclusive outreach — even amid surging footfall.
By embedding immersive space science experiences within a heritage monument, Antariksh Darshan pioneered a new narrative of science-led cultural tourism, reimagining Mahoba not merely as a historical destination but as a luminous crossroads of learning, discovery, and inspiration. This delicate weaving of tourism, tradition, and technology breathed new life into the district’s cultural identity.
The echo of this endeavour travelled far, amplified through print, broadcast, digital, and social media platforms, placing Mahoba firmly on India’s public science outreach map. Stories of wonder, resilience, and discovery rippled outward, inspiring countless others to look skyward with renewed curiosity.
Antariksh Darshan – Mahoba 2026 stands today as a radiant milestone in SPACE India’s mission to democratise astronomy and STEM education, aligned with the National Education Policy and the vision of a scientifically empowered Viksit Bharat. It reaffirmed an enduring truth: when science meets society, and knowledge meets access, transformation becomes inevitable.
And so, beneath the ancient gaze of the Sun Temple, as young hands reached for distant stars, Mahoba did not merely host an event — it kindled a constellation of dreams.
