13th Annual Black-necked Crane Festival

Black-necked Crane dance (RSPN File Picture)ANNOUNCEMENT The 13^th Annual Black-necked Crane festival (CLICK HERE for the festival background) will be celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa, in Phobjikha valley on 11^th November 2011. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of the heavenly bird which becomes part and parcel of their daily lives during the winter months. However the annual black-necked crane festival is organized with the following objectives:

• Generate awareness and understanding among the local communities and visitors on the importance of conserving the endangered Black‐necked cranes
• Institute economic incentives (payment) for the festival to strengthen the linkages between conservation and economic welfare and sustainable livelihoods
• Provide avenue for the local community to renew their commitment to conservation of the black-necked cranes, and to showcase their cultural heritage and skills.

The festival generally includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances (some with black-necked crane themes) and mask dances performed by the local people, crane dance and environmental related drama and songs by the school children.  The program usually starts by 9:30 am and lasts till late afternoon (CLICK HERE for this year’s general program schedule).

The festival will be organized by Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (PEMC), a local group composed of elected local leaders, women, Government representatives, business community representatives, monks and RSPN representative.  The festival was first initiated by RSPN in 1998, and it has now become a part of the local culture in Phobjikha valley.

The organizers would like to welcome every one to experience the festival, visit the Gangtey Gonpa and see the beautiful black-necked cranes. Be a part of the festival and reward the community for their continued conservation stewardship.