In a celebration of nature’s wonders, the Namdapha Butterfly Festival recently concluded its sixth annual event, leaving participants and attendees in awe of the natural beauty and ecological importance of butterflies. Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh is home to a staggering 505 species of butterflies, in collaboration with SEED-NGO hosted the festival, which proved to be a significant platform for education, awareness, and conservation efforts.
The festival, which began in 2018 as the Namdapha Butterfly Meet, has since evolved into the Namdapha Butterfly Festival cum Biodiversity Meet, attracting participants from 16 states across India this year. Students from Arunachal Pradesh made up a substantial portion of the attendees, engaging in interactive sessions and learning from experts about butterflies, birds, and moths.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of the festival was to unite students, researchers, scientists, nature enthusiasts, and the public on a common platform, fostering education and awareness about butterflies. “Using Butterfly as a tool to attract people towards nature is the idea behind this event,” IAS officer Sunny k Singh, DC, Changlang district said.
Butterflies, often seen as symbols of beauty, also play pivotal roles in the ecosystem. They act as pollinators, facilitating plant reproduction, and are crucial components of the food chain, serving as sustenance for birds, reptiles, insects, and other wildlife. Additionally, butterflies are sensitive indicators of environmental changes, reflecting the overall health of an ecosystem.
STATE CALENDAR EVENT
IFS officer V. K. Jawal, who is the CF & Field Director, Namdapha NP & TR emphasized the festival’s positive impact. “This programme has not only inspired students but also yielded valuable data on the diversity of butterflies in Namdapha NP & TR,” he said. The event’s success led the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to declare it as a state calendar event, affirming its support for the park’s conservation initiatives.
What set this year’s butterfly festival apart was the active involvement of local communities residing in the buffer area of Namdapha. These people enthusiastically participated in butterfly and bird walks, engaging with resource persons and other participants. Unlike previous years, this festival included a broader spectrum of species to study, enriching the overall experience for attendees.
“The festival concluded with recording of more than 211 species of butterflies and 91 species of birds,” informed Mayur H Variya, a Field Biologist at Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL
In addition to biodiversity surveys, the festival featured panel discussions and talks on nature conservation. Moreover, it offered workshops on art and photography, showcasing local ornaments and cuisine. These diverse attractions not only enhanced the festival’s appeal but also drew in large crowds. Participants from other states marvelled at the park’s virgin natural beauty, observing the abundance of flora and fauna, especially butterflies, within a short span.
“Public administrator and dignitaries who attended the event opined that this event should be declared as state festival by the government so that the event could be celebrated/observed in a greater way so that more people can learn while enjoying the event,” shared Minom Pertin, SEED NGO.
Kumsi Sidhisow, MLA cum advisor to the Forest Minister, and Kamlung Mosang, Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning, Food & Civil Supplies, along with other notable figures, graced the valedictory function as chief guests and guests of honour.
SUCCESS
The success of the Namdapha Butterfly Festival underscored the significance of using butterflies as a gateway to nature appreciation and conservation. As attendees departed, they carried with them not only memories of the enchanting butterflies but also a newfound understanding of the intricate ecological balance these creatures help maintain. Through education, awareness, and community involvement, events like these inspire a shared commitment to preserving our natural heritage.
