Haekki Benakku Bird Festival Wayanad | Wayanad’s Avian Celebration & Nature Tourism

Every November, the misty hills of Wayanad, Kerala come alive with the sounds of wings and beaks — as bird lovers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts gather for the Haekki Benakku Bird Festival (also sometimes written Hekki Benakku), a deeply rooted celebration of avian life and cultural heritage.

What Is Haekki Benakku?

• Name Meaning: The term “Haekki Benakku” (sometimes “Hekki Benakku”) comes from the language of the Kattunayakan, an indigenous community in Wayanad, and literally means “bird festival.”

• Organizer: The festival is organized by the Hume Centre for Ecology & Wildlife Biology, partnering with local birding and conservation groups.

• Dates: The 2025 edition runs from November 14 to 16 at Puliyarmala in Wayanad.

• Theme: “Kilikalavuka naam … kiliyozhinjidam shoonyam” — “Let us become birds … the world without birds is empty.”

Why This Festival Matters

1. Bird Conservation & Awareness
   The festival focuses on Wayanad’s threatened and endemic bird species, including the Banasura Chilappan, which has special significance for the region.

2. Community Connection
   The Kattunayakan people traditionally relied on birds as guides through the forest. By naming the festival in their language, the event honors that deep, symbiotic relationship.

3. Science Meets Culture
   Activities include guided birding trails, seminars by ornithologists, and citizen-science discussions.

4. Creative Engagement & Conservation

   • Workshops like “Make a Home” encourage building nests using natural materials, helping participants think like birds.

   • Puppetry performances and storytelling sessions highlight extinct or at-risk bird species, sparking reflection on what we lose when birds disappear.

5. Conservation Messaging
   The festival provides a platform to address ecological threats — including habitat loss — by showcasing the birds’ roles as climate indicators.

Festival Program & Highlights

• Inauguration: Kalpetta MLA T. Siddique officially opened the event, supported by leading wildlife officials.

• Birding Trails: Guided walks through Wayanad’s rich forest habitats, designed for both beginners and experienced birders.

• Photo Exhibitions: Showcase of bird nests, forest landscapes, and avian life captured by passionate photographers.

• Workshops & Talks:

  • Ornithology sessions by experts like C. Sasikumar and Ashwin Viswanathan.

  • Storytelling & puppet shows about extinct birds and conservation challenges.

  • Hands-on nest-building activity to foster empathy and creative thinking.

• Cultural Performances: Local art, interactive installations, and bird-themed theater & music.

What It Means for Tourism in Wayanad

• Nature Tourism Boost: Attracts birders, nature photographers, and eco-tourists from across India and abroad.

• Local Economy Support: Brings traveler footfall to villages, homestays, and eco-resorts around Puliyarmala and Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries.

• Cultural Heritage Highlight: Celebrates indigenous traditions of the Kattunayakan community, deepening cultural tourism.

• Educational Impact: Offers immersive experiences that connect tourists directly with conservation science and wildlife protection.

• Sustainable Travel: Encourages responsible wildlife tourism and generates awareness of the urgent need for bird conservation.

What to Know Before You Attend

• Where: Puliyarmala, Wayanad, Kerala (Hume Centre for Ecology & Wildlife)

• How to Join: Open to birders, conservationists, photographers, and general public.

• Best Time: Early mornings on Nov 14–16 are ideal for birding walks and spotting species.

• Bring: Binoculars, camera, rain gear (Wayanad’s climate is humid), and comfortable walking shoes.

• Stay Options: Wayanad has a range of eco-resorts, homestays, and guest houses—ideal for a nature retreat.

Conclusion

Haekki Benakku is more than just a bird festival — it’s a symphony of wings, culture, and community. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wayanad, the event invites participants to walk forest trails, learn from ornithologists, and reconnect with indigenous traditions. Whether you're a dedicated birder, a curious traveler, or someone who cares about nature’s future, this festival offers a powerful, immersive experience. It’s a clarion call: to listen, learn, and act for the feathered companions who enrich our world.