Kinnaur to Host First-Ever Bird Festival from May 8–10, Promoting Conservation and Slow Tourism
Kinnaur is set to witness its first-ever ‘Kinnaur Bird Festival’ from May 8 to 10 at Goli in Kalpa Kande, in a major initiative aimed at celebrating and preserving the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The three-day festival is being organised in coordination with the global birding events ‘Global Big Day’ and ‘Himalayan Bird Count’ scheduled for May 9. The event is expected to bring together bird enthusiasts, researchers, writers, conservationists and local communities from across Himachal Pradesh.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma said the festival aims to highlight the unique biodiversity of Kinnaur and the broader Himalayan region while strengthening the bond between local communities and nature.
He said the event will focus on conservation and sustainable development, with special emphasis on promoting “slow tourism” — a model that encourages environmentally responsible travel while preserving local culture and ecology.
According to the district administration, youth empowerment and capacity building will be key highlights of the festival. Around 20 selected participants will undergo a ‘Nature Guide Training Workshop’ to prepare them as local biodiversity ambassadors. In addition, 30 students will participate in interactive learning sessions designed to spark curiosity and awareness about nature and wildlife conservation.
The festival will also feature workshops, expert talks and field-based activities led by researchers, writers and nature experts from across the state, offering participants hands-on exposure to birding and conservation practices.
Apart from nature-focused activities, the event will showcase the rich cultural traditions of Kinnaur by providing a platform to local artisans, self-help groups and folk traditions, thereby promoting the region’s traditional identity alongside ecological awareness.
The festival is being organised with the support of the District Administration Kinnaur, AUM Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, Forest Department and the Nature Conservation Foundation.
Dr. Sharma described the initiative as an important step toward integrating conservation, community participation and cultural preservation in Kinnaur.
