Bird festival begins in Lumbini

Rupandehi, Nov 26 (RSS): A bird festival has started in Lumbini today with the aim of welcoming migratory birds in the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The theme of the festival is ‘protect saras crane for peace’. A programme is scheduled to declare saras crane the city bird as the bird is closely associated with the life of Buddha, said officiating member secretary of the Trust Saroj Bhattarai. Likewise, a drawing competition, photo exhibition and bird viewing will also be organised in the festival organised by the Lumbini Development Trust, he said.
There is a need to create awareness about conserving and protecting wetlands around Lumbini, ponds and habitats for migratory birds, the Trust’s Vice Chairperson Metteya Shakyaputta. Lumbini is home to around 222 types of bird species.