Through photographs and writing, Vera Kreppner, a student of social anthropology and geography shares her experience at the Titli Utsav in Devalsari.
---
Around 20 nature lovers and photographers came together to celebrate and discover these fascinating flying creatures for the Devalsari Titli Utsav (Hindi for 'Butterfly Festival') from 6 June 2024 to 11 June 2024. Almost fairylike, the butterflies move through the valleys and Deodar forests of the Devalsari Forest Reserve in the Tehri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand, where the festival takes place every year.
The festival is organised by the Devalsari Environment Protection and Technology Development Society headed by Arun Prasad Gaur and supported by the Titli Trust to promote awareness and fascination for biodiversity and its conservation. The biodiversity of Devalsari's scenic Himalayan landscape is just stunning: It is home to over 160 species of butterflies, 250 species of moths, and 201 species of birds. This year, more than 115 different butterfly species were observed during the festival – each of them unique in size, shape, and colour.
Situated on a clearance surrounded by Deodar forest, the Devalsari Society Homestay, offered an immersive experience, letting the participants feel their natural surroundings with all their senses and in all its diversity. Early morning, Keshar Singh, local nature guide and member of the Devalsari Society, took the guests on journeys in the world of birds. These were followed by daily butterfly hikes. In the evenings, cicada chirping filled the air.
Thanks to cicada expert Dr. Vivek Sarkar, the participants gained fascinating insights regarding these insects – such as that some cicada species stay in the nymph form for about 13, others for 17 years before turning into their adult form. 'These insights […] gave us a whole new appreciation for these fascinating creatures' – one participant framed it.
At night, just a few metres from the guesthouse at the riverside, the visitors could, besides different species of frogs and bats, observe a crane fly emerging from its pupa and flying for the first time in its life. Even flying squirrels were sighted. Every evening, a white screen visibilized the great variety of moths – many of them more colourful than one would expect.
Excitement and conversation about butterflies ensued. “Oh look, it’s sitting on that stone over there… Wow, how beautiful it is!” The bright colours of its wings shimmering in the morning sun. “Let’s see if we can take a nice photo!”. Even over chai and traditional meals from the homestay kitchen, the participants shared their discoveries of the day. Look at that photo! It’s the first time I saw this butterfly.”
As a fellow participant shared, this festival is “A reminder that when we share a passion for something bigger than ourselves, it creates a powerful sense of community.”
Hi, so happy you’re reading this blog! I’m Vera, a student of social anthropology and geography and I came to Devalsari for a 5-month internship with the 'Devalsari Environment Protection and Technology Development Society'. That’s how I could attend and document the Devalsari Titli Utsav 2024 and marvel at the biodiversity here. As I love traveling, learning languages and being in nature, this place just seemed perfect to me. And indeed, the natural beauty of this landscape and the hospitality of its residents never cease to fascinate me. I hope you’ll get the chance to visit Devalsari yourself!
Thank you for sharing your impressions and the beautiful pictures! Greetings from Fürth / Germany
It sounds like a great and unique experience. Thank you for sharing your impressions with us.