Falcon Festival is an annual event that is held at Umrangso, Dima Hasao district of Assam. This festival aims to create awareness among the people about Amur Falcons alongside promoting tourism in the Dima Hasao district.
About Amur Falcon
Every year, the Amur Falcon, a migratory bird, embarks on an incredibly long journey from the cooler climates of the Northern Hemisphere(Siberia) to the warmth of the Southern part of Africa. In northeast India, these remarkable birds make a brief appearance. North East India is the roosting ground for Amur Falcon. Three places of Northeast India namely Umrangso village of Assam, Pangti village of Nagaland and Tamenglong district of Manipur hosts large flocks of these avian travelers.
Why Falcon Festival is celebrated in Umrangso?
Earlier, due to lack of awareness, these birds used to be killed for sport, meat and fun. Blue Hills Society, a reputed NGO from Haflong, Assam took up the initiative to protect these winged friends (Amur Falcons) from harm’s ways. They have collaborated with Wildlife Trust of India, Department of Forest (Assam), Dima Hasao District Administration, North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council and other local youth forums in this matter. As a result, the killing decreased. To generate more awareness about the protection and conservation these birds, the Amur Falcon Festival is celebrated every year in Umrangso.
Time of arrival of Amur Falcon in Umrangso
Amur falcons come each year during the last week of October or first week of November to roost in Dima Hasao, Assam. The estimated number of falcons arriving at Dima Hasao during peak period is 3,00,000.
Where can one spot Amur Falcon in Dima Hasao?
Amur falcons choose roosting place near large reservoir. In the case of Dima Hasao, the falcons are spotted near kopili reservoir. In Tumbung Village in Umrangso, there is a observatory to watch Amur Falcon. However, these raptors can be spotted at any place near Kopili reservoir.
About Falcon Festival of Dima Hasao
The festival is generally organised in the month of December. Golf field, New Tumbung Village is chosen for hosting this event. The first Falcon festival at Dima Hasao district was organised in the year 2015. Since then, Dima Hasao District Autonomous Council Administration has been organising Falcon Festival. Besides, raising awareness about Amur Falcon conservation, the festival has been able to improve tourism potential of Dima Hasao district.
Main Attractions and Activities at Falcon Festival
The three-day Falcon Festival offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to a broad spectrum of interests. At the forefront is the highly anticipated Miss Falcon Beauty Contest. The festival also proudly hosts an Art Emporium, providing a vibrant showcase of the rich cultural tapestry of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong. Attendees can immerse themselves in the intricate details of traditional crafts, art, and customs. Music enthusiasts are treated to a mesmerizing experience with a dynamic music concert and the thrilling Battle of Rock Bands.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, the festival offers camping and bonfire activities, fostering a sense of community beneath the starlit sky. Adrenaline junkies can witness the thrill of Hill Climb Bike Racing, a heart-pounding spectacle that adds an extra dimension of excitement to the festivities.
People coming for the festival will also be able to experience the beautiful hills and valleys of the region. Click the links to read more about tourist places of Dima Hasao and tourist places of Karbi Anglong.
Falcon Festival Ticket Price and Ticket Booking
To experience the full spectrum of excitement at the Falcon Festival, enthusiasts can secure a three-day pass priced at 1350 rupees. The convenience of booking is at your fingertips through the popular platform, BookMyShow.
Venue of Falcon Festival at Dima Hasao
Golf Field, Umrangso, Dima Hasao, Dima Hasao, Assam 788931, India. Here is the google map location.
How To Reach Dima Hasao?
Dima Hasao is well-connected to the Guwahati – state capital of Assam. The headquarter of Dima Hasao district, Haflong is located southeast of Guwahati approximately 330 km away and can be reached through various modes of transport.
By Train: Haflong is the main railway station of Dima Hasao. Haflong is well connected by train from Guwahati and Silchar. It takes approx 6 hour 30 minutes from Guwahati to Haflong by train. There are at least 6 trains from Guwahati to Haflong both in morning and afternoon hours.
By Air: LGBIA (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport) in Guwahati is the nearest airport of Dima Hasao. You can take a taxi service from airport to Haflong or use public transport like buses and trains.
By Road: The roads of Dima Hasao are well-connected to main cities like Guwahati, Silchar and Lanka. There are several buses, both private and state run which offer transportation services from the main cities of Assam to Dima Hasao. For bus services from the state capital Guwahati to Haflong, one can travel by overnight buses that depart from Guwahati at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm everyday. To travel back to Guwahati, one can travel by buses that depart from Haflong at 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm everyday.
Also read about the mysterious place of Jatinga (Dima Hasao) : The Bermuda Triangle for birds
