The holy city Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is all set to host Mahakumbh 2025A grand festival is organized on its sacred ghats every three years, with its first Bird Festival on February 1 and 2, 2025. The objective of this two-day program is based on the theme ‘Faith in Kumbh, Nature Conservation and Climate’. Raise awareness about biodiversity while celebrating one of India’s most iconic religious ceremonies

The Maha Kumbh, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is expected to attract over 400 million devotees from India and across the world. However, the Bird Festival will add an important ecological aspect to the gathering by encouraging people to appreciate and conserve the local biodiversity. By combining conservation with a religious event, the initiative aims to strengthen pilgrims’ bond with nature and raise awareness about climate issues and protecting wildlife.

The Bird Festival will invite attendees to view the ecosystem of Prayagraj through a new lens, showcasing approximately 90 bird species that inhabit the region. It includes both resident and migratory birds, reminding us of India’s diverse and fragile natural heritage. To support this, the Department of Tourism has partnered with the Forest Department to create an educational experience for pilgrims, encouraging them to consider environmental stewardship as an essential aspect of their faith.

Activities and Highlights of Maha Kumbh Bird Festival 2025

To make the event memorable and educational, the Bird Festival will include a number of activities:

Guided Birdwatching and Photo Exhibition: Bird lovers and pilgrims will get a chance to explore and enjoy local bird species through guided birdwatching sessions led by experts. A special photo exhibition will showcase beautiful images of native birds, highlighting their role in the ecosystem. The exhibition, featuring local and international photographers, will be open to all throughout the festival.

Educational Outreach for Students: To encourage ecological responsibility among the youth, students from various schools and colleges have been invited to join. Ecologists and bird experts will lead interactive workshops, helping students understand the important role birds play in keeping nature in balance.

Expert Sessions and Talks: Experts from India and abroad will conduct interactive sessions on topics such as biodiversity conservation, impact of climate change on migratory species and sustainable tourism. Bridging the gap between academic knowledge and public awareness, these discussions are open to all attendees.

Promotion of cultural and eco-tourism: In an effort to make the natural beauty of the region more accessible, a tourism circuit has been developed around major historical, cultural and natural sites throughout Uttar Pradesh. The circuit will highlight the state’s historic sites, nature reserves and bird habitats, inviting local and international tourists to explore these attractions with a renewed focus on conservation.

Prayagraj holds a special place in Indian history and spirituality, attracting millions of people to its iconic ghats located on the banks of Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati rivers. This holy place, where the Maha Kumbh Mela takes place, is believed to purify the soul, bringing pilgrims closer to the divine. Apart from the Ghats, the city is also home to other sites, such as Akbar Fort, Khusro Bagh, Anand Bhawan Museum, Allahabad Museum, Jawahar Planetarium and Chandrashekhar Azad Park.

For nature lovers, the area around Prayagraj is full of lush landscapes, forests and wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to a variety of plants and animals. The Bird Festival highlights this rich biodiversity, giving visitors the opportunity to connect with both their faith and the natural world.

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