Bhubaneswar: For the first time, the state government will host a bird festival at Chilika this month to attract tourists to the site.

The festival will be held on January 27 and 28 at Mangalajodi.

On the first day, there will be a workshop on the diversity of birds along with film shows. A photography and painting competition will be organised before the festival and winning entries will be displayed on the site.

Online registration will be conducted for the festival to seek participants. Tenting facilities, adventure sports and a host of activities will be part of the festival. A film show portraying the beauty of the lake will also be screened.

There will a bird watching session on the second day where participants will be taken to various sites in and around the site, including Nalabana, Barkul, Rambha bay and Satapada.

The event is being hosted by state tourism and forest and environment in collaboration with the Chilika Development Authority.

Over the past few years, Mangalajodi has carved a place for itself on world tourism map because of the unique conservation method adopted by the local villagers that has resulted in the high congregation of migratory birds in the lake.

Ornithologists, bird watchers, tourists and tour operators would be invited to the festival. Tourism director Nitin Jawale, said: "The initiative is aimed at attracting the attention of tourists. It will also create awareness about the vast diversity in flora and fauna of the state."

"The festival will hopefully boost the number of tourists coming to the state," Jawale said. Special arrangements, including security and boats, has been made for the festival.