The 12th Nepal Owl Festival 2025 will take place on February 7–8 in Mithila Bihari Municipality, Wards 2 and 3, Dhanusha. Organized by Mithila Wildlife Trust and Friends of Nature Nepal, the event will be held near Shri Chandeshwar Basic School and will be free for all. A committee, led by Dev Narayan Mandal, has been formed, with subcommittees to ensure smooth operations.
The festival offers a diverse range of activities, including bird and nature observation, conservation awareness camps, traditional dances, indigenous games, cultural exhibitions, and art contests. Visitors can experience a unique owl museum showcasing photos, sculptures, audio of owl species, and robotic owl exhibits. Specimens from Tribhuvan University’s Natural History Museum and local crafts will also be displayed. More than 20 conservation organizations and 15 researchers will participate, promoting awareness and their efforts to protect nature through organizational stalls and posters.
Dr. Hari Prasad Sharma, Abhaya Raj Joshi, Bhumiraman Nepal, and Hemanta Dhakal will be honored with the Nature Conservation Award (NPR 25,000) and recognition for their outstanding contributions to research and conservation in Nepal. Local contributors, such as Ilam’s Jaubari Restoration Committee, Dr. S.K. Singh, journalist Bijay Kumar Shah, and Ranjan Bhandari Mali, will also be celebrated for their significant efforts.
This festival carries a deeper purpose: to shed light on the vital ecological role of owls as natural pest controllers, supporting sustainable agriculture while maintaining ecosystem balance. However, these birds face increasing threats from illegal trade, habitat destruction, and societal misconceptions. Festival founder Raju Acharya, affectionately known as “Owl Sir,” emphasized that this event challenges these negative perceptions, fostering respect for owls and wildlife in Nepal. He noted that while the focus is on owls, the benefits extend to all creatures sharing their habitats.
Mr. Mandal anticipates around 5,000 attendees, including students, which will not only boost the local economy but also spread critical conservation messages across Eastern Nepal. Initiated in Dhading in 2012, this festival has grown into a powerful platform for education, awareness, and community engagement. Globally, it is one of the few such events, celebrated only in Nepal, the USA, Italy, and India.
This festival represents a fusion of culture, conservation, and entertainment.
