Shillong: The second Amur Falcon Festival will be held at Saitsar ground on the bank of the Umiam in Ri Bhoi district in November.
The festival, being organised by the Ri Bhoi-based Tyrso Valley Wildlife Protection Society, celebrates the migration of Amur falcons (Falco amurensis), known as Kbeit in Khasi, from Siberia and elsewhere to Umtngam Pyllun and the Tyrso Valley of the Umiam.
Alos Nongpoh, general secretary of the Society, said the festival will begin from November 2-3 and it will continue till November 12. As a precursor to the grand festival, the Society will hold drawing and essay competitions for students of all schools in the Tyrso Valley. A marathon will be held to create awareness on preservation and protection of the raptor species in the areas.
The venue of the festival is about 50km from Shillong. Several Departments, including Forest and Environment and tourism, will be part of the festival.
The organisation works for preservation and protection of wildlife, especially the endangered avian species like falcons, kites and vultures, in Ri Bhoi.
