In an attempt to showcase its avian treasures, Odisha government on Monday organized the fifth edition of Chilika Bird Festival to attract tourists and bird lovers to relish the rich biodiversity of the wetland sites of the lake.

After Lake Victoria in South Africa, Chilika is widely regarded as the second largest bird lake in the world. The natural beauty of Chilika is further enhanced by the millions of birds flying in from different parts of the world, doubling its beauty during the winter.

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Chilika, the largest saltwater lake in Asia, is rich in biodiversity. It was recognized as the first Ramsar site in the country in 1981. It is unique among the wetlands of the world. It is no exaggeration to say that the lake is the soul of state tourism. Chilika Lake has earned the distinction as the largest refuge for migratory birds in the Asian subcontinent. The congregation of more than 11.37 lakh birds of 187 species during the last winter added to the beauty of the picturesque lake, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who attended the event as the chief guest, said.

While Chilika lake holds a special place in the world tourism map, it has become a bird pilgrimage since time immemorial due to its geographical location and favourable environment, she said,

The chirping cacophony of millions of birds of various species is a sheer delight for the tourists visiting Chilika, especially in the winter season. These birds, coming from faraway Siberia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Central and Southeast Asia, Mongolia, America, Ladakh, Tibet and the Caspian Sea, enhance the natural beauty of Chilika. The mild climate of Chilika, the “Nalavan” in the middle of Chilika, is an excellent shelter to escape from the severe cold. Similarly, Mangalajodi, the bird heaven, is symbolic of a unique effort led by the local community.

This festival is organized to take this event to the world and to develop and promote bird pilgrimage tourism destinations like Chilika, Satkoshiya, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud. All the participants of this festival are brand ambassadors for us, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister for Forest said.

From conservation work like eliminating poaching to publicity campaigns like the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival – we are jointly trying to make Odisha – Chilika, Satkoshiya, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud and other special places like them the most attractive bird centers in the Asia-Pacific region, he said.

We have engaged the local boating community in this festival to promote responsible tourism practices and ensure their active participation in conservation efforts. The representation of bird lovers across the country makes the National Chilika Bird Festival a success, he added.

Chilika Lake situated on the eastern coast is the largest wintering ground of the migratory birds in the Indian sub-continent. Not only the diversity, but also the sheer abundance of water birds makes Chilika a unique wetland in the entire country. Birds undertake annual migration to the lake by flying across continents in well-defined fly-ways.