Shillong: Lt. Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced the nation's first Black-Necked Crane Festival. The event runs from August 11 to August 14, 2026. Organizers scheduled the festivities across Leh, Tso Kar, and Hanle. The initiative aims to protect the only alpine crane in the world.
Saxena stated, "The Nation's First Black-Necked Crane Festival is a celebration of Ladakh's unparalleled natural heritage and our collective commitment to wildlife conservation." The bird serves as the official state bird of Ladakh. Locals know the species as cha thung-thung and consider them sacred bringers of good fortune.
These cranes arrive in the Changthang region during March and April. They utilize high-altitude wetlands, including Tso Moriri, to breed. The birds construct nests in shallow waters roughly 30 cm deep. This keeps their eggs safe from predators. Their mating rituals even inspired the traditional Chartses folk dance.
The species faces pressure from feral dogs and livestock overgrazing. Tourists also disrupt the birds during their breeding months. Officials hope this festival builds awareness to guard these fragile nesting grounds. Protecting these birds ensures they remain symbols of prosperity for the region.
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