Charaichung Festival Revives 392-Year-Old Royal Bird Sanctuary at Majuli

The Charaichung Festival was organised for the second time in Majuli, Assam, to revive and conserve the nearly defunct Royal Bird Sanctuary.

• Aims to rejuvenate bird habitats and put Charaichung on the global conservation map.

Historical Significance of Charaichung

• Charaichung, established in 1633 AD by Ahom king Swargadeu Pratap Singha, is Asia’s first protected Royal Bird Sanctuary.
• Celebrates a legacy of 392 years of wildlife conservation in Majuli, the world’s largest river island.

Festival Highlights

• Duration: Four days (December 7–10, 2025)
• Organised by: Majuli Sahitya and local communities
• Focused on awareness, heritage, and ecological restoration of the sanctuary.

Ecological Importance of Majuli

• Majuli is one of India’s most important bird sanctuaries, hosting:
  • Rich diversity of avian species
  • Aquatic life
• The island attracts birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from across India and abroad, contributing to ecotourism and conservation awareness.