Majuli, Dec 9: The second edition of the Charaichung Festival is being held in Majuli from December 7 to 10 with the objective of reviving the historic Royal Bird Sanctuary, established in 1633 by Ahom king Swargadeu Pratap Singha. The four-day festival, organised by Majuli Sahitya and local residents, focuses on restoring the 392-year-old sanctuary, regarded as Asia’s first protected royal bird habitat.

The event aims to rejuvenate the nearly defunct sanctuary and promote it as a global centre for biodiversity and tourism. Along with cultural programmes, the festival features a special exhibition highlighting ongoing forest conservation initiatives to safeguard Majuli’s bird population and natural heritage.

Durgeswar Saikia, President of the Charaichung Festival Celebration Committee, stated that collective efforts are underway to restore the sanctuary, which has increasingly drawn visitors from countries such as Germany, Australia, and the US. He urged visitors to experience Charaichung’s ethnic and ecological significance.

Festival committee member Bhaskar Jyoti Kutum said Majuli is home to nearly 150 species of indigenous and migratory birds, adding that the renewed attention from the festival may encourage government support and help develop Charaichung as a major tourist destination.

The committee also paid tribute to music icon Zubeen Garg during the event, marking the festival’s blend of cultural and environmental themes.