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Majuli's Charaichung Festival: Reviving Asia's First Royal Bird Sanctuary

Majuli island is hosting the Charaichung Festival for the second time to breathe new life into a historic bird sanctuary. This sanctuary, established nearly 400 years ago, is recognized as Asia's first protected royal bird haven. The four-day event aims to boost global awareness and tourism for the site, which is home to around 150 bird species. Organizers are calling on the people of Assam to help preserve this unique piece of natural heritage.

Key Points: Majuli's Charaichung Festival Revives 392-Year-Old Bird Sanctuary

  • Festival commemorates 392-year-old sanctuary established by Ahom King Pratap Singha in 1633
  • Aims to place Charaichung on the global tourism map and rejuvenate its habitat
  • Nearly 150 varieties of indigenous and migratory birds are found at the sanctuary
  • Features a special exhibition highlighting ongoing forest and biodiversity conservation efforts
3 min read

Assam's Majuli hosts 'Charaichung Festival' to revive Asia's first protected royal bird sanctuary

Assam's Majuli island hosts the Charaichung Festival to revive Asia's first protected royal bird sanctuary, established in 1633, and boost global tourism.

"We are trying to restore it. Today, it is a beautiful site, and we invite people of Assam to visit the historic Charaichung and experience its ethnic beauty. - Durgeswar Saikia, President, Charaichung Festival Committee"

Majuli, December 9

In an effort to revive and conserve the nearly defunct Royal Bird Sanctuary at Majuli - the world's largest river island, the Charaichung Festival has been organised in the island district for the second time.

The festival commemorates the 392-year-old legacy of Asia's first protected Royal Bird Sanctuary, 'Charaichung', established in 1633 AD by Ahom king Swargadeu Pratap Singha. The four-day festival, being held from December 7 to 10, has been organised under the initiative of Majuli Sahitya and locals with the aim of placing Charaichung on the global map and rejuvenating its bird habitat.

The festival also features a special exhibition highlighting forest conservation efforts. The display sheds light on ongoing initiatives to protect Majuli's biodiversity and reflects the collective commitment to safeguarding the island's natural heritage.

Notably, Majuli is regarded as one of India's most important bird sanctuaries. The island is home to a rich diversity of birds and aquatic life, attracting bird watchers and nature lovers from across the globe.

Speaking to ANI, Durgeswar Saikia, President of the Charaichung Festival Celebration Committee, said, "We welcome all. We are glad to inform you that Majuli has a historic bird sanctuary named Charaichung, established in 1633 by Ahom King Pratap Singha, also known as Burha Roja. But this sanctuary has been deteriorating day by day. Since last year, with the support of the people of Majuli and from different parts of Assam, we have been trying to restore it. Today, it is a beautiful site, and we invite people of Assam to visit the historic Charaichung and experience its ethnic beauty. We are happy to share that tourists from Germany, Australia, America and other countries have been visiting and studying not only Charaichung but also other heritage sites of Majuli. As we celebrate the festival for the second time, we appeal to the people of Assam to come forward and help us preserve our heritage."

Bhaskar Jyoti Kutum, a member of the festival committee, told ANI, "Asia's first protected bird sanctuary, with its 392-year-old legacy, is being celebrated from December 7 to 10. This festival, organised with the support of Majuli Sahitya and local residents, aims to urge the government to further promote Charaichung as a tourism destination. The sanctuary was on the verge of extinction, but with renewed efforts through this festival, we believe it will transform into a major tourist hub and bring global recognition to Majuli. Nearly 150 varieties of indigenous and migratory birds are found here, making their protection and conservation extremely essential."

On the other hand, the festival committee also offered a heartfelt tribute to music icon Zubeen Garg.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Kudos to the people of Majuli and Majuli Sahitya. This is real sustainable tourism - celebrating history while conserving nature. Hope the Assam government provides more support and infrastructure to make it a world-class ecotourism spot.
R
Rohit P
150 varieties of birds! That's incredible biodiversity. We often don't appreciate the natural treasures in our own backyard. More such festivals across India, please. It creates awareness and also boosts local economy.
S
Sarah B
As a birdwatcher who visited Majuli last year, I can confirm it's a magical place. The community's passion is palpable. Glad to see they are getting the recognition they deserve. The Ahom history adds such a unique layer to the experience.
V
Vikram M
A respectful suggestion: While the festival is great, the article mentions the sanctuary was deteriorating. I hope the focus remains on genuine conservation and habitat restoration, not just tourism promotion. The birds' wellbeing must come first.
K
Kavya N
Burha Roja's vision from 392 years ago is still relevant today. It shows our ancestors understood the balance with nature. Proud of our Assamese history! Hope the younger generation gets involved in this conservation drive.
D
David E
Fascinating read. Asia's first

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