Assam’s Majuli Hosts ‘Charaichung Festival’ to Revive Asia’s First Protected Royal Bird Sanctuary

In a significant step towards heritage conservation and eco-tourism, Assam’s Majuli island recently hosted the Charaichung Festival for the second consecutive year, aiming to revive Asia’s first protected Royal Bird Sanctuary. The four-day festival, held from December 7 to 10, seeks to rejuvenate the nearly defunct Charaichung Royal Bird Sanctuary, established in 1633 AD by the Ahom ruler Swargadeu Pratap Singha (Burha Roja).

Charaichung Festival: Purpose and Vision

The festival is organised under the initiative of Majuli Sahitya Sabha, with active participation from local residents. Its core objectives include:

• Reviving the 392-year-old legacy of Charaichung

• Restoring degraded bird habitats

• Promoting Majuli as a global eco-tourism and heritage destination

• Creating public and governmental awareness for conservation

A special forest conservation exhibition was also showcased, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect Majuli’s rich biodiversity and reflecting the collective commitment to safeguarding the island’s natural heritage.

Charaichung Royal Bird Sanctuary: Historical Significance

• Asia’s first protected bird sanctuary

• Established in 1633 AD

• Founded by Ahom king Swargadeu Pratap Singha

• One of the earliest recorded examples of state-led wildlife conservation in Asia

Despite its historic importance, the sanctuary had been deteriorating over the years due to neglect and environmental pressures. The Charaichung Festival represents a grassroots-driven attempt to reverse this decline.

Ecological Importance of Charaichung and Majuli

Majuli is regarded as one of India’s most important bird habitats, supporting:

• Nearly 150 species of indigenous and migratory birds

• Rich aquatic biodiversity

• Seasonal influx of birds attracting ornithologists and birdwatchers from across the world

The sanctuary plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem.

Community Voices and Global Interest

Durgeswar Saikia, President of the Charaichung Festival Celebration Committee, highlighted the growing global interest, noting that tourists and researchers from Germany, Australia, the United States, and other countries have been visiting Charaichung and other heritage sites of Majuli.

Festival committee member Bhaskar Jyoti Kutum emphasised that the sanctuary was “on the verge of extinction” but expressed confidence that renewed conservation efforts could transform it into a major eco-tourism hub, bringing global recognition to Majuli.

Cultural Dimension

Alongside environmental themes, the festival also paid a tribute to renowned Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, underlining the blend of ecology, culture, and community identity that defines the Charaichung Festival.

Why the Charaichung Festival Matters

• Revives ancient Indian traditions of nature conservation

• Promotes community-led environmental governance

• Supports sustainable tourism and local livelihoods

• Reinforces Majuli’s identity as a cultural and ecological treasure

Conclusion

The Charaichung Festival is more than a cultural celebration—it is a powerful movement to reclaim a forgotten chapter of Asia’s conservation history. By blending heritage, biodiversity, and community participation, Majuli’s efforts to revive the Charaichung Royal Bird Sanctuary stand as a model for sustainable and inclusive conservation in modern India.