Each year as twilight deepens, the sleepy village of Jatinga in Assam’s hills transforms into the center of one of the world’s most unusual and captivating wildlife events. The Annual Jatinga Bird Festival draws nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers eager to witness an extraordinary phenomenon where birds mysteriously plunge from the sky. Located near Haflong, Assam’s only hill station, this event offers a rare glimpse of nature’s fierce, inscrutable rhythms in action.

Jatinga is located approximately 85 kilometers from Haflong, reachable by a winding road that cuts through dense forests and rolling hills. These foothills of the Meghalaya Plateau rise to about 1,500 meters, providing a rugged terrain that challenges travelers without requiring mountaineering skills. The bird festival happens mostly between September and October during the new moon nights when certain species respond to dim, fog-shrouded skies.

Locals observe a phenomenon where birds, drawn down by magnetic fields, fog, and an unknown force, become disoriented and 'descend' towards the village, often fluttering close to lights or appearing to willingly fly into netting for study and conservation. These birds aren’t hurt; they are studied and released while celebrations focus on awareness and protection.

The sensory experience is striking: the thick forest canopy hums with insect calls, the mist hugs the hillsides like a living quilt, and the evening air cools sharply as birds dart and spiral across the twilight horizon. This is nature at its most enigmatic and alive—a force demanding respect and curiosity rather than conquest.

If you plan to visit, prepare for limited but well-marked trails, mostly compact earth with occasional rocky sections, ideal for sensible hiking boots. Carry a strong flashlight (red light recommended to avoid disturbing birds), waterproof clothing for misty weather, and mosquito repellent. The best hours are just after dusk, when the chorus of bird calls intensifies and the descent begins.

While the hike to Jatinga village itself is short and accessible, exploring some surrounding forest paths near Haflong offers a chance to see the birds in their natural setting before nightfall. Hydration is key; although the climate is mild, the steep road into the hills can tax even experienced travelers.

This festival isn’t just a spectacle but a unique interaction with the natural world—a reminder of the mysteries that surround our planet’s ecosystems. Participants leave with a richer understanding of regional biodiversity, a taste for Assam’s remote hills, and stories etched in the dusk-lit flight of enigmatic birds.

Plan your travel to coincide with the festival nights, book lodging in Haflong ahead of time, and prepare for an immersive experience that challenges priorities, respects wildlife, and opens eyes to the unpredictable forces of the wild.