AstroFest 2026 to Bring Four Days of Space Exploration to Pimpri-Chinchwad
Science festival from October 29 to November 1 to feature exhibitions, workshops, sky gazing and interactive activities
PIMPRI-CHINCHWAD : Astronomy enthusiasts, students and science lovers can look forward to four days of scientific exploration as Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park & Planetarium organises ‘AstroFest 2026’ from October 29 to November 1.
The festival is being organised in association with the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and Jyotirvidya Parisanstha, Pune. Open to visitors from 10 am to 8 pm daily, the event aims to promote interest in astronomy and space science among students and the general public.
Based on the theme ‘Exploring Astronomy, Inspiring Collaboration’, the festival will feature a special astronomy exhibition under the BRICS India 2026 initiative. The programme aims to make scientific knowledge accessible to a wider audience and encourage curiosity about the universe, space exploration and emerging scientific concepts.
Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a range of interactive activities, including astrophotography, sky gazing, an inflatable dome planetarium, live satellite demonstrations and water rocket demonstrations. Other attractions will include aeromodelling workshops, 3D moon lamp making and a Mars rover obstacle challenge.
The festival will also organise several activities and competitions for students, including a space-themed fancy dress competition, an astronomy-themed art competition and an astronomy quiz. These activities are designed to combine learning with creativity and provide students with hands-on exposure to scientific concepts.
In addition, visitors can attend special talks by experts, popular science lectures, science demonstrations and planetarium shows. Cultural programmes and a science-fiction movie screening will further add to the four-day event.
Dr Shraddha Khamparia, Chief Executive Officer of Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park & Planetarium, will serve as the chief coordinator of AstroFest 2026, also referred to as Aakashvedh 2026.
Pravin Tupe, Founder-Director of Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park, has invited students, parents, astronomy enthusiasts and members of the public to participate in the festival and experience the world of astronomy and space exploration.
Through AstroFest 2026, the Science Park aims to create an engaging platform for scientific learning, encourage young minds to explore the mysteries of the universe and strengthen public interest in astronomy and space science.
