Volunteered
I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the organizing team for the 8th Nepal Owl Festival, held in Jalapa, Khotang, from February 1-2, 2019. The festival, located in a picturesque village 267 km from Kathmandu, aimed to raise awareness about owl conservation by blending local culture with environmental education.
One of my key responsibilities was contributing to the construction of the Temporary Owl Museum. This was a significant feature of the festival, attracting large crowds throughout the event. Over the course of a week, I worked alongside a dedicated team of volunteers to design and set up the museum. We cleaned and arranged the space, repaired damaged curios, and curated owl-related exhibits, including owl sculptures, owl research equipment, and interactive displays like the owl dartboard and owl call devices. It was fulfilling to see the museum come together after days of hard work, transforming classrooms into an informative and engaging space for the community.
Throughout the festival, the Temporary Owl Museum played a pivotal role in knowledge dissemination about owls and their ecological importance. I was actively involved in guiding visitors through the exhibits, explaining the critical role owls play in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance. The museum provided a unique platform to dispel common myths, such as the belief that owls bring bad luck, and replace them with scientific knowledge. Through the museum, we reached a broad audience, including children, local community members, and even visitors from outside the region. It was incredibly rewarding to see how the museum helped shift perspectives and inspired greater interest in conservation.
I also helped facilitate student competitions such as owl-themed essay, poem, and art contests, and assisted in organizing birdwatching sessions and nature photo walks. These activities were designed not only to entertain but also to engage people in conservation efforts.
Being a part of the Nepal Owl Festival was an enriching experience where I was able to combine my passion for environmental conservation with community outreach, contributing to the protection of an often-overlooked species in Nepal.
More about the event: Friends of Nature, Owl Festival Full Report
