DIBRUGARH, March 3 � A range of thrilling and colourful activities have been set for the two-day Rain Forest festival in Jeypore near Naharkatia town in an effort to bring the region�s unique bio-diversity and eco-system to limelight.
The festival is being organised under the aegis of district administration and in collaboration with the local population of Jeypore area. It has been slated for March 7 and 8. �The festival is also aimed at giving a boost to the tourism potential of the region,� said Deputy Commissioner, MS Manivannan.
Jeypore Rain Forest is a home to a number of wildlife species; reptiles, birds, animals and flora and fauna. Clouded leopard, sloth bear, tiger, elephant, Indian bison, Blow lorries, Capped langur, Hoolock gibbon and flying squirrels dwell in the forest. Moreover, about 293 species of birds are found in Jeypore Rain Forest. At least 10 of the bird species are listed under schedule-I.
Burmese rock python ( Python molurus), Bamboo pit viper( Trimeresurusgramineous), King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Asian leaf turtle (Cyclemys oldhami), Water lizard/monitor (Varanus salvator) etc., are also found in the forest.
Preparations for the festival are afoot and the district administration is expecting big crowds on both the days. The major highlights of the festival include traditional sports, ethnic cultural performances, ethnic cuisine, exhibition and sale of local artifacts and handicraft, elephant safari, jeep safari, birding tour, boat rides, trekking, photography competition, entertainment events with State�s popular artistes and exhibition by self help groups.
The festival will commence with a flag hoisting at 8 am on March 7 followed by a cultural procession and inaugural ceremony. In the run up to the event, district administration has also launched a website and a facebook account.
