The arrival of the black-necked crane is an important celebration in Bhutanese culture, finds Avril-Ann Braganza
If you're planning a trip to Bhutan in November, head to the courtyard of Gantey Monastery, in Phobjikha for the black-necked crane festival. Annually celebrated on 11th November and coinciding with the celebration of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck's (the fourth king of Bhutan) birthday, the festival is mainly dedicated to the conservation of the black-necked crane. It is a joint effort of the Phobjikha community to create an awareness and understanding of the importance of conserving the endangered black-necked cranes.
The festival, which originated in 1998 is organised to strengthen the links between conservation, economic welfare and sustainable livelihoods of the community and to provide an avenue for the local community to renew their commitment to the conservation of the black-necked cranes and to showcase their cultural heritage and skills.
Celebrated mainly by the community of Phobjikha as a day-long activity, costumed dances honour the blacked-necked cranes. Several mask dances and folk songs are also performed to celebrate the day. Students of the community exhibit theatrical performances on the importance of conservation of nature and the environment. The festival sees visitors from other parts of the country as well as the world. People sit around in a large circle in the courtyard of the Gantey Monastery to watch the dancers dressed in black-necked crane costumes perform.
The black-necked crane has become an integral part of the local community in Phobjikha; the locals have grown up watching the bird migrate each year and it is now a part of their life. The migration of the birds has important indications in the lives of local people. They predict bad harvest or it may be considered a bad omen if the first crane fails to arrive at the usual time when the birds migrate. It is seen as an indication of change in ecology. The significance of the bird is also seen in the history of Bhutanese culture, where the bird is displayed in Bhutanese paintings and praised in folk songs. The bird is also sacred as it exhibits Buddhist practices and it is believed that the locals have witnessed the birds taking rounds around the Gangtey Monestry three times when they arrive and before they leave Phobjikha.
Watch this space for updates on more festivals.
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