The 6th National Chilika Bird Festival was inaugurated by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, at the State Convention Hall, Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The event, held on 7 January 2026, underscores Odisha's leadership in conservation-led tourism, focusing on community participation and sustainable development.
The festival was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who emphasised the ecological and cultural significance of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar wetland. She noted the festival's role as a platform for conservation awareness and responsible tourism. Attendees included government officials, conservation experts, ornithologists, and international delegates.
A key feature of the festival is the Chilika Boat Race, led by the local fisherman community, which celebrates the cultural traditions of the lake and highlights the role of local communities as ecosystem custodians. The event also includes educational programmes for school students and capacity-building sessions for boatmen, aimed at fostering long-term conservation efforts.
The festival also saw the release of conservation-focused publications and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Wildlife Organisation and the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management to support eco-tourism development. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department, Balwant Singh, highlighted Chilika Lake's potential as a premier eco-tourism destination.
The festival will continue with guided birdwatching at Mangalajodi and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, expert talks, and cultural experiences, promoting biodiversity, culture, and sustainability.
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