Two fests and a feast for the senses

An installation using water bottles to amplify the sounds of birds, a session on building nests like a bird, photo exhibitions, guided bird trails, seminars on endangered species – WBF will have everything a bird lover could wish for.

Focused on the Banasura Chilappan, an endangered bird found only in Wayanad, the fest will be held between Nov 14 and Nov 16 at Puliyarmala.“It was recently declared the official bird of Wayanad,” says Hridya Revathy, media convenor. “The festival’s theme is ‘kilikalavuka naam … kiliyozhinjidam shoonyam’ (Let us become birds … the world without birds is empty).”Organised by the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, in association with various birders’ groups of Kerala, the festival is named ‘Haekki Banakku’ which means bird festival in the language of the local Kattunayakars.

“Birds used to act as guides of the forest for the kattunayakars,” says Hridya.

The festival opened unofficially on Nov 12, which coincides with the birth anniversary of veteran ornithologist Salim Ali. Among the highlights is a theatrical performance ‘kazhukukale pathukappom’ by the drama troupe Kanavu Vazhi from Tamil Nadu. Entry to the festival is open to all.Meanwhile, The Nilgiris Earth Festival 2025 returns for its fourth edition, from December 18 to 21, 2025, across Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri, with over a dozen experiences rooted in food, culture, and ecology.

The Habba 2025 is the signature event on 21 December 2025 - free upon registration - a full, vibrant day of indigenous food, music, and conversation. More than 15 communities from across the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve will share their food and crafts, with a free indigenous lunch open to all.The festival has brought together thought leaders, writers, artists, chefs, farmers, ecologists, residents, indigenous communities. This year’s highlights will include the screening of ‘Wild Tamil Nadu’, directed by Kalyan Varma, a celebrated, Emmy award-nominated filmmaker, followed by a conversation between Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary, environment, climate change and forests, and Varma.

Guest speakers include Madhu Chandan of organic mandya and Divya Mudappa and T R Shankar Raman of nature conservation foundation, who will speak on conservation and sustainable food systems.There will be other ticketed events too.