Itanagar, Jan 17: The fourth edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival is set to take place from January 18 to 20 in Arunachal Pradesh's lush wilderness.
To be held at Khellong (Doimara) and Thongre Village in West Kameng district, the festival would shocase the unparalleled biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas and the unique species of the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nestled in the Himalayan slopes, the sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, home to over 400 bird species. Its claim to fame includes the Bugun Liocichla, an endemic bird that brought global attention to the region’s rich biodiversity.
The festival will feature the inauguration of the Eaglenest Bio-Diversity Park and the Heritage Trekking Trail by state Environment and Forest Minister Wangki Lowang, joined by MLAs Tseten Chombey Kee (Kalaktang) and Tenzin Nyima Glow (Thrizino-Buragaon).
These dignitaries, along with participants, will undertake an 11.6-kilometer trek from Khellong to Thongre Village, a route steeped in history and spiritual significance.
The event will see participation from 60 delegates, including students from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, and experts from leading organizations.
A range of activities, such as trekking the historic trail where the 14th Dalai Lama escaped Tibet in 1959, butterfly and moth identification, plant identification, and wild honey harvesting workshops, will be conducted.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on the Bugun Liocichla and other endemic species, emphasizing their ecological significance.
Indigenous tribes will add cultural vibrancy to the festival with displays of their arts, crafts, and traditions, fostering meaningful exchanges between visitors and local communities.
Beyond celebrating biodiversity, the festival seeks to position Eaglenest as a premier global destination for eco-tourism and birdwatching. It also aims to educate youth and tourists on the ecological importance of the sanctuary while promoting conservation and sustainability.
The festival is more than an event; it is a movement to harmonize human existence with nature while promoting conservation and sustainability. It is a celebration of Arunachal Pradesh's unique biodiversity and a platform to connect people with the wonders of the natural world.