Here's a chance to see over 200 species of migratory and local birds gathering at the largest peaceful human gathering on earth, from February 16th to 18th, 2025.
Visitors to Mahakumbh 2025 will get a chance to see over 200 species of migratory and local birds gathering, during a three-day International Bird Festival that will be held at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from 16 February 2025 to 18 February 2025.
While announcing this event in their recent post yesterday on February 8, 2025, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB / I&B ministry), Govt. of India, stated that with this 3-day International Bird Festival, they aim for promoting environmental conservation and biodiversity.
This event offers a unique opportunity for nature lovers, bird-watching enthusiasts, ornithologists, and also to the tourists and devotees at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 to observe rare bird species. With this initiative, they aim to inspire the youth, nature enthusiasts, and devotees, to focus on bird conservation and protection of their natural habitats.
During this International Bird Festival, you can observe rare birds, such as, the endangered Indian Skimmer, Flamingo, and Siberian Crane. Thousands of migratory birds from over 10 countries, including Siberia, Mongolia, and Afghanistan, have arrived at the banks of the Ganga-Yamuna confluence in Prayagraj, and are already attracting tourists with their unique flights and group migration patterns.
About this International Bird Festival
In line with Prayagraj Mela administration's directive, a special eco-tourism plan has been prepared for the devotees, where you will be able to experience bird watching and learn about the importance of their natural habitats.
In addition to enjoying bird-watching over thousands of migratory birds from over 10 countries, other activities and competitions are announced for the visitors, during this three day International Bird Festival at Prayagraj, during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
- Through bird walks and nature walks with experts, you will have an opportunity to closely learn and understand birds and their behaviour, migration journeys, and their role in the natural ecosystem.
- Through this 3 day International Bird Festival, the I&B ministry aims to also raise awareness about bird conservation through various competitions and educational activities.
- This festival will feature several competitions such as photography, painting, slogan writing, debates, and quiz.
- The government to award prizes worth a total of ₹21 lakhs, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹5 lakhs, to the winners of various competitions.
- National and international ornithologists, environmentalists, and conservation experts are going to share their insights in technical sessions and panel discussions.
- In addition to all this, Cultural programs, street plays, art exhibitions, and other activities are planned to raise awareness about bird conservation and environmental balance during the Maha Kumbh 2025.
- Various sessions will discuss bird migration, habitat protection, the impact of climate change, and scientific facts about their survival.
How to get more details about this festival
Alok Kumar Pandey, the IT Head of the Forest Department, stated that people can contact WhatsApp number 9319277004 for more details about the festival.
The significance of this festival
Arvind Kumar Yadav, DFO Prayagraj, added that this festival will not only be for entertainment but will also play a crucial role in the campaign for environmental balance and biodiversity conservation. He emphasised that bird conservation helps maintain natural disaster management and ecological balance, and that such events help sensitise people to nature.
With this International Bird Festival during the Maha Kumbh 2025, the government aims to send a strong message about biodiversity and environmental sustainability, both in India as well as internationally.
In their post, the I&B Ministry says that this festival will be a unique blend of Indian culture, appreciation of nature, and scientific perspective. It aims to make devotees and tourists understand the importance of natural wealth, preserve biodiversity, and inspire sustainable development.
If you're a tourist, traveller, or devotee who is visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 at Prayagraj during 16th to 18th February and you're interested in nature, birds, or bird-watching, then you can also take part in this 3 day International Bird Festival, while you're there.
- Mahakumbh 2025: 3-day International Bird Festival to be organized in Prayagraj from 16th February - Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Givt of India, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 08 FEB 2025 10:15PM by PIB Delhi. Retrieved on 09 February 2025.