𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠

…𝒁𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕 5𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Tashi Tshewang

The much-awaited 5th Bhutan Bird Festival 2025 is set to take place in Zhemgang Dzongkhag on November 13 and 14, bringing together conservationists, tourists, and local communities under the theme “Wings of Harmony: Conserving Birds, Celebrating Kheng Culture.” The festival, to be held at Tingtibi, located 36 kilometers from Zhemgang town, is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors. It highlights Bhutan’s commitment to bird conservation and eco-tourism, while showcasing the cultural heritage of Kheng communities.

This year’s program offers a range of activities designed to engage all ages. Visitors can participate in a Birdathon, which encourages spotting and documenting diverse bird species, and a wildlife night safari offering a glimpse of nocturnal species. For younger participants and families, there will be a treasure hunt, biodiversity quiz, and art and literary competitions, aimed at fostering curiosity and awareness about Bhutan’s unique biodiversity.

Recreational boating and cultural programs will add to the festive atmosphere, while traditional Kheng dances, songs, and local food highlight the connection between conservation and culture. The event will also feature exhibitions, food and commercial stalls, and interactive awareness sessions to promote sustainable livelihoods alongside environmental stewardship.

Bhutan is home to over 770 bird species, including several globally endangered ones, making the country a paradise for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike. By raising awareness about protecting endangered species and their habitats, the festival aims to engage schools, local communities, and tourists in conservation education.

The festival is organized by the Zhemgang Dzongkhag Administration with support from partners, reinforcing Bhutan’s role as a carbon-negative nation that values biodiversity and cultural identity. For Zhemgang, one of the least explored regions of Bhutan, the Bird Festival is not just about celebration. It also aims to boost the local economy, encourage eco-tourism, and create opportunities for communities while safeguarding natural heritage.

Tika Ram Gurung, Dzongrab of Zhemgang and Event Manager of the Bhutan Bird Festival, said, “The main objectives of this year’s Bhutan Bird Festival are to celebrate and highlight Zhemgang’s rich biodiversity, raise awareness on environmental conservation, and actively engage local communities in eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The festival directly supports Bhutan’s broader conservation goals and contributes to tourism by diversifying the circuit beyond traditional hotspots, positioning Zhemgang as a prime eco-tourism and birding destination while ensuring that local communities benefit from increased visitor arrivals.”

He acknowledged the challenges of organizing the festival. Preparing the grounds, mobilizing resources, and coordinating stakeholders required careful planning. Transforming the Tingtibi venue into spaces suitable for entertainment, exhibitions, and commercial activities involved landscape changes addressed through a three-layered design balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Engaging local communities while maintaining conservation integrity was a challenge turned into an opportunity by involving schools, youth, farmers, and cultural groups. Limited accommodation facilities were addressed through homestays and local services.

He added, “The festival is a bridge between conservation and development. On one hand, it fosters biodiversity protection through birding competitions, guided tours, and awareness programs emphasizing the importance of preserving endangered species and ecological corridors. On the other hand, it promotes sustainable community development by boosting local economies. Farmers, artisans, hoteliers, and transport providers all benefit from tourism, while homestays, local food, and crafts are showcased. The platform strengthens market linkages, reduces rural-urban migration, and nurtures youth engagement and cultural pride, ensuring long-term stewardship of both natural and cultural heritage in Zhemgang.”

Tshering Lhendup, the Gup of Shingkhar, said, “There are no separate preparations by gewog administrations and local communities, everything is done collaboratively with the Dzongkhag administration. Farmers not only participate but also take advantage of income opportunities through local produce, handicrafts, and services. Youth contribute by volunteering, guiding visitors, and showcasing innovation, while cultural groups preserve and promote our unique traditions for both national and international visitors.”

He added that this collaborative approach ensures the festival is vibrant, inclusive, and community-driven. By combining efforts across sectors, the event highlights the best of Zhemgang’s culture, biodiversity, and communal spirit, creating meaningful experiences for participants and visitors.

He continued, “The Bird Festival is one of the biggest events in the Dzongkhag and brings strong opportunities for livelihoods. Homestays, food stalls, and handicrafts benefit the most by engaging directly with visitors. Beyond the two-day celebration, the festival helps showcase our biodiversity, attract future eco-tourism, and reinforce the importance of conservation, ensuring sustainable benefits for both people and nature.”

Dolo Rinchen, the Tshogpa of Gongphu village, said, “We are far from the festival place, almost 40 kilometers away, but still, we make the effort to visit every year. Even though people here are not able to take their goods to the festival due to transport difficulties, they still travel all the way just to be part of the event. This shows how important the festival is for our community.”

He explained that the festival holds more than cultural value; it is also a platform for opportunity. Villagers who depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood can sell their products at the festival, supporting them financially and giving recognition to the village’s unique products. He added, “In the future, we hope to create better opportunities where our farmers can take their goods to the festival. If we can help them sell their produce, it will generate income, motivate them to continue farming, and bring long-term benefit to the whole community.”

Tshewang Penjor, temporarily working in the district, shared, “I am not from Zhemgang, but still, I could hear the eagerness of the people for the festival. Everywhere I go, people talk about it with so much excitement. Even though I don’t belong here, just listening to their stories makes me feel like I am part of the anticipation. It will be my first time experiencing the festival, and I must say my expectations are very high.”

He added that living among locals shows how much the event means to them. Many describe it as more than just an event; it is a gathering that strengthens bonds between families, neighbors, and visitors while highlighting the district’s culture and natural beauty. “My friends here keep telling me that it is one of the best events for families and people from different places to come together. They say it is not only about birds and cultural shows but also about creating connections, spending meaningful time together, and feeling the warmth of community life. That is what I am most looking forward to this time,” he said.

As the 5th Bhutan Bird Festival 2025 approaches, anticipation continues to build across Zhemgang and beyond. The event promises not only to celebrate the region’s rich biodiversity and Kheng cultural heritage but also to foster community engagement, support local livelihoods, and strengthen eco-tourism. By bringing together conservationists, residents, and visitors, the festival serves as a platform to raise awareness about environmental protection while offering meaningful cultural and economic opportunities. For Zhemgang, the festival is more than a two-day event- it is a reflection of the district’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural treasures for the benefit of current and future generations.