By The News Observer Desk,
Dandeli: The vibrant Hornbill Festival 2026 was inaugurated today on Friday in Dandeli, aiming to raise awareness among locals and the public about the majestic hornbill birds and their crucial role in forest regeneration. Organized annually by the Forest Department, the event underscores the importance of community involvement in wildlife and environmental conservation.
The festival, held at the Hornbill Bhavan in the Government Timber Depot, was launched by Santosh Kumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Publicity and ICT Division). In his address, Kumar highlighted the hornbill's appeal as an attractive bird that plays a pivotal role in regenerating forests. "The Hornbill Festival is designed to foster greater understanding of these birds among the people," he said during the opening ceremony, organized by the Canara Circle Shirsi and Haliyal Forest Division.
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This year's two-day event continues Dandeli's tradition of celebrating hornbills, emphasizing that forest and wildlife protection cannot be achieved by the Forest Department alone. "It requires the participation of all stakeholders, including various departments and the public," Kumar stressed. He urged everyone to join hands in conservation efforts, noting that the festival serves as a platform to educate attendees on how to protect wildlife and forests effectively.
T. Harilal, Chief Conservator of Forests for Canara Circle, provided fascinating insights into avian biodiversity. He noted that the world is home to approximately 11,126 bird species, with India boasting 1,325 and Karnataka 525. Uttara Kannada district, particularly Dandeli, stands out as a biodiversity hotspot, enriched by rivers, hills, waterfalls, and lush forests. "The hornbill is not just a bird; it's a symbol of a healthy forest ecosystem," Harilal explained. These birds thrive only in pristine, well-preserved environments. Globally, there are about 57 hornbill species, with 9 found in India and an impressive 4 in Dandeli alone—a point of pride for the region.
Now in its eighth year, the Hornbill Festival blends local culture with environmental themes, creating a unique convergence. Experts from Nagaland, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have gathered to share knowledge. Over 130 bird enthusiasts attended for bird-watching sessions, where they learned about conservation strategies and committed to spreading awareness worldwide. Harilal also announced innovative plans for Hornbill Eco-Tourism in Haliyal, which aims to generate employment opportunities for locals and support sustainable livelihoods. "This initiative will provide a foundation for community-driven conservation," he added.
Manjunath Chavan, Chief Conservator of Forests for Belagavi Circle, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the four hornbill species in Dandeli. The program targets public and student awareness, drawing parallels between the popularity of tiger safaris and hornbill sightings. "We want to give hornbills the same prominence as tigers," Chavan said, highlighting the festival's role in promoting birdwatching tourism.
Prashant K.C., Deputy Conservator of Forests for Haliyal Division, delivered the introductory remarks, describing the event as a distinctive platform that integrates forest and bird conservation with education and local traditions. Over the past eight years, it has introduced participants to the region's culture and customs. As part of the festival, competitions such as quizzes and drawing contests were organized for schoolchildren from Haliyal, Joida, and Dandeli taluks.
In India, nine hornbill species are distributed across regions: four in the Northeast, four in the Western Ghats (including Dandeli), and one in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The festival facilitates knowledge exchange among experts from across the country, offering attendees information on bird safaris and Dandeli's tourist spots. Prashant emphasized collective responsibility: "Conservation isn't possible through officials alone; everyone must contribute."
The event concluded its first day with certificate and prize distributions to winning students from various school and college competitions.
Notable attendees included Tushar Chavan, Field Director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve; Deputy Conservators Ravi Shankar C., G.P. Harshabanu, Sandeep Hindurao Suryavanshi, Yogesh C.K., Manjunath J. Navi, and Nagashetty R.S.; as well as Rajendra Jain, Managing Director of Dandeli Paper Mills, among others.
The Hornbill Festival not only celebrates these iconic birds but also inspires a broader commitment to preserving Karnataka's rich natural heritage for future generations.
Reporting and Videography by Saikiran Babrekar
