Mumbai: The Bombay Natural History Society’s (BNHS) flamingo festival at the Sewree Jetty on Saturday attracted a large crowd of Mumbaikars, who flocked to see the exotic birds that migrate to the city from Kutch every year.
Every year since 2010, the visitors at the event have grown in numbers, and the festival has become especially popular among animal lovers. Apart from bird watching, the BNHS also organises quizzes, exhibitions and interactive sessions at the event.
Girish Kulkarni, who attended the festival on Saturday, said, “This is an opportunity for people to explore nature. It is nice to see that people are [becoming aware] about flamingoes and biodiversity.” Another visitor, Sachin Tawre, said, “This is my first visit to the festival. It is wonderful to see so many flamingos.”
A reading of author Deepak Dalal’s A Flamingo in my Garden was also held at the event. Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Dalal said, “Kids show a lot of interest in [Flamingos]. I told them about the beauty of the birds through my book.”
Bird experts also attended the festival and educated the visitors about the life cycle and migration patterns of flamingos. Photographers, both amateur and professional, also gathered at the jetty, ceaselessly taking pictures of the exotic birds. Atul Chachad, a bank employee and an amateur photographer, said he has been attending the festival since the last two years. Other attractions at the event included tattoo stalls and merchandises like flamingo themed T-shirts and key chains.
