Siklesh,Kaski observed Owl Festival this February 19 and 20, a grand one to raise awareness for protection of owl on occasion of International owl festival. Program was organized in joint cooperation of Annapurna Conservation Protection Area and Friends of Nature (FON). This is 5^th Owl festival and before it was organized in Dhading, Chitwan, Nawalparasi and Gorkha.

Situated on lap of mountain, Siklesh is traditional Gurung village and also origin of Gurung. It was to aware people on protection of Owl and also entertained people with different Green games. Watching birds, Clicking photo of nature, Museum related to owl and different other local games were organized in this festival.

Also video, presentation on importance of owl and different other materials that show importance of owl was held in the festival. Among 876 species of birds found in Nepal, 22 species belong to Owl. In Nepal it is called as ?ULLU?.

This festival raised issues on protection of owl and many problems are being faced in its conservation. Owls are also worshipped in Hindu religion and its importance is overwhelming. Despite this, its population is decreasing so,this tpe of program is efficient for conservation, raise awareness among local people about its importance. 

Program Organized :

Public programs: Owl conservation camps (slide shows in the public), owl conservation documentary, conservation speech, exhibition of owl conservation materials, exhibition of photos and sketches of owls, owl face painting, owl call device, owl robot, exhibition of owl related materials

Entertainment: Ghatu dance, Gurung dance, Gurung Song, Lakhe dance, Gaijatra dance, nature photo walk, owl mascot, wildlife dance from Institute of Forestry, Pokhara.

Conservation awards: Nature Conservation Award (four conservation/social heroes and heroes working in the field of bird/nature conservation in Nepal), felicitation to the local conservationists and organizations

Competition: Bird watching (?The Big Day? celebration), Thelo, Dori tanne, Ghur, Jhijhili, Hyakuche

Local attraction: Dense settlement of Sikles village, Lamjung Himal, Eco-Museum, nature walk, village walk, local food and local cultural dances, live avalanche from Rishing Danda, Parche camp site, enjoy the Nepals? first eco-route