Kalpetta: A unique three-day bird festival dedicated to legendary Ornithologist Salim Ali will be held at Puliyarmala village near here from November 14. The extensive bird observing event titled 'Hekky Benakk', will include bird photography sessions, bird calls and identification workshops, bird watcher's experience sharing sessions, guided bird watching trails, bird-inspired art, including paintings, among others.

The uniqueness begins with the name itself- 'Hekky Benakk'- which has been coined from the indigenous language of the Kattunykka tribe, where Hekky means 'Bird' and 'Benakk' means festival.

Organized by the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, an NGO based at Kalpetta known for its micro-level weather monitoring systems and ecological awareness initiatives, the bird festival is being held in association with various bird lovers' forums in the state to create awareness among the public about the importance of birds in human life.

According to a communique of the Humes Centre, apart from bird lovers and bird watchers, well-known Ornithologists from various universities across the country are attending the festival with their research papers.

Various creative workshops headed by experts - including painting exhibitions, exploring bird sounds, bird photography sessions, and seminars planned at the event aim to provide participants with information and exposure to the world of birds, helping them understand the significance of avian life in nature.

According to Suma Vishnudas, curator of the programme, the festival aims at effecting an experiential learning on the world of birds through art, and bringing science and art together in the same space.

"We are experimenting with a performing landscape for bird lovers where the landscape itself metamorphoses into an experience for the visitors, " she said.

Minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development, O R Kelu, will inaugurate the event on Friday. Chief Conservator of Forests Pramod G Krishnan will be the chief guest. Kerala Biodiversity Board Chairman Dr N Anilkumar would deliver the keynote address at the function.

The logo of the bird festival is the image of the indigenous bird Banasura Chilappan, which was recently declared the official bird of Wayanad, the organizers said in a press release.

The festival would also portray the photographs of bird watchers in the state and from the neighbouring states. Those interested can directly participate in the painting and other creative arts workshop organized along with the festival. The entry for students and the public is free.