Black Necked Crane Festival – The grand celebration of the arrival of rare endangered Black Necked Cranes to their winter home in Bhutan

Started in 1998, Black Necked Crane Festival is an annual event celebrated at Gangtey Goenpa, each year on 11th November, the date coinciding with birth anniversary of His Majesty, Bhutan’s 4th King. Gangtey – Phobjikha valley is the largest habitat of Black-Necked Cranes in Bhutan with 300 birds each year. The festival is organized by Gangtey – Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (GPEMC) to celebrate the arrival of these vulnerable and majestic birds that have become inseparable part in daily live of people, during winter months.

The festival also aims to generate employment, providing economic opportunities for local communities and form an avenue for the locals to renew their commitment to conserve the cranes. The festival is an opportunity for locals to showcase their distinct cultural heritage and skills. To the villagers, the annual arrival of black-neck cranes is an event that holds great significance as well as heralding the beginning of winter. Some believe these endangered birds to be the reincarnation of two deities who are said to be protectors of this beautiful valley. Both during arrival and departure, these graceful birds circle the Gangtey Goenpa three times and to the locals, this represents the honouring of the three sacred jewels of Buddhism and showing gratitude for their protection and care at stay.

The festival generally incorporates cultural programs including folk songs, environment related songs and mask dances performed by the locals, school children and monks. The highlight of this festival is well choreographed crane dance performed by school children. This festival is an ideal platform to create an awareness of Black-Necked Cranes to locals as well as international travellers and has become an important part of local culture in Phobjikha valley.