Odisha is gearing up to host the 6th National Chilika Bird Festival from January 6 to 8, 2026, showcasing the ecological splendour of Chilika Lake—Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a global hotspot for migratory birds. This annual event blends biodiversity celebration, eco-tourism, education, and community empowerment, offering visitors a deep dive into wetland life and conservation-based travel.
Image source: odisha_tourism
What Is the National Chilika Bird Festival?
The National Chilika Bird Festival is an annual celebration organised by the Odisha Tourism Department in collaboration with the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department (FE&CC). It highlights Chilika’s importance as a Ramsar-designated wetland, a key stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, and a living model of how nature conservation, local livelihoods, and responsible tourism can flourish together.
📅 Festival Highlights: January 6–8, 2026
The 6th edition promises a rich programme designed to appeal to birdwatchers, eco-travelers, families, and conservation enthusiasts:
🐦 Guided Birdwatching
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Mangalajodi: A community-managed birding hotspot where visitors can witness huge congregations of migratory waterfowl and waders.
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Nalbana Bird Sanctuary: Opened for special birding tours during the festival, this island sanctuary within the lagoon hosts thousands of winged visitors in winter.
🎤 Interactive Sessions
Experts including ornithologists, wildlife photographers, and conservation practitioners will lead discussions on:
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Bird behaviour and migration
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Wetland ecology
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Responsible nature tourism practices
🎨 Culture & Local Engagement
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Traditional crafts and regional cuisine will be showcased by community groups.
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The Chilika Boat Race at Barkul, contested by local fisherfolk, celebrates the enduring bond between the lagoon and its people.
More Than a Festival: An Immersive Conservation Experience
The Chilika Bird Festival is built around eco-tourism principles:
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Promoting wetland protection and ecological awareness
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Supporting local economies through guided birding, hospitality, crafts, and food
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Engaging youth and students through interactive learning and field visits
Attendees not only observe birds but also gain insights into how conservation and community livelihoods can advance hand in hand.
Migratory Birds at Chilika: Latest Trends
The festival arrives as Chilika continues to witness impressive migratory activity. Recent bird counts and sightings show:
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Early arrivals of migratory species with 87 species recorded and over two lakh birds already at the lagoon, indicating a strong season.
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Patrolling and anti-poaching efforts have been intensified by wildlife authorities to protect these winged visitors during peak months.
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Chilika also resonates with bird calls and activity across multiple wetland habitats, including nearby Bhitarkanika National Park.
These birding dynamics set the stage for an exciting festival experience.
Best Places to Experience the Festival
Mangalajodi Wetland
A picturesque community-run birding zone where visitors can watch migratory flocks at close range, often with local guides enhancing sightings.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
A protected island area within Chilika hosting tens of thousands of birds during winter. During the festival, controlled access allows nature lovers to explore key birding zones.
Satapada & Barkul
These lakeside towns serve as comfortable bases for bird excursions, boat rides, and cultural experiences.
FAQ & People Also Ask (PAA)
What is the National Chilika Bird Festival?
It is an annual event celebrating migratory birds, wetland ecology, and community-led conservation at Chilika Lake.
When is the 6th edition of the festival?
The 2026 festival runs from January 6 to 8, 2026.
Where can I see birds during the festival?
Top birding spots include Mangalajodi and Nalbana Bird Sanctuary.
Who inaugurates the festival?
It will be inaugurated by Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and FE&CC Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia.
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes. It offers educational activities, guided birdwatching, cultural experiences, and interactive sessions suitable for all ages.
Conclusion: A Festival of Wings, Wetlands & Wisdom
The 6th National Chilika Bird Festival 2026 is not just a gathering of birders—it is a holistic nature celebration that brings together biodiversity conservation, community pride, and responsible tourism. Drawing visitors from across India and the world, the festival reinforces Chilika Lake’s global significance as a bird haven and wetland treasure.
Whether you are a seasoned birder, a nature photographer, a student of ecology, or a family seeking adventure, the Chilika Bird Festival offers an unforgettable, immersive journey into the rhythms of migratory life and conservation culture in Odisha.
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