The coastal city of Mangaluru is set to welcome bird enthusiasts and conservationists for the twelfth edition of its popular Hakki Habba bird festival. The event will be held over three days, from January 9 to January 11, 2025, at the Pilikula Nisargadhama.
A Festival for Feathered Friends
Organized by the Pilikula Regional Science Centre, in collaboration with the district administration and the forest department, Hakki Habba has become a cornerstone event for environmental awareness in the region. The festival's core mission is to foster a deeper appreciation for birds and their critical role in our ecosystems. It aims to educate the public, especially the younger generation, about the importance of bird conservation and the threats they face from habitat loss and climate change.
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 AM on January 9. The event will feature a diverse range of activities designed to engage participants of all ages. A key highlight will be guided bird walks, allowing attendees to observe and learn about the rich avian life in and around Pilikula's natural surroundings.
Engaging Activities and Learning Opportunities
Beyond bird watching, the festival will offer an interactive and educational experience. Visitors can look forward to engaging workshops, informative exhibitions, and insightful talks by experts in ornithology and conservation. These sessions are crafted to provide practical knowledge about local bird species, their behaviors, and how citizens can contribute to their protection.
Cultural programs celebrating the connection between nature and local traditions will also be a part of the festivities, adding a vibrant layer to the event. The organizers have emphasized that Hakki Habba is more than just an observation event; it is a community-driven initiative to build a lasting culture of environmental stewardship.
Promoting Conservation and Community Involvement
The consistent growth of Hakki Habba over eleven previous editions underscores Mangaluru's growing commitment to environmental causes. By bringing together government bodies, scientific institutions, and the public, the festival creates a powerful platform for collaborative conservation efforts.
Experts believe such events are crucial in urban and semi-urban settings, where human expansion often pressures natural habitats. The festival serves as a timely reminder of the biodiversity that exists alongside city life and the collective responsibility to preserve it. The organizers encourage schools, colleges, families, and all nature lovers to participate in this celebration of winged wonders, hoping to inspire the next generation of conservationists in Karnataka.
