This Dasara, fewer sightings of ‘Palapitta’ upsets revellers

The ‘Palapitta’, commonly known as the Indian Roller or Blue Jay, has long been seen as a symbol of good fortune during the Dasara festival. However, this year, the cherished bird was notably absent, leaving many devotees disappointed. Vijayadasami, celebrated on Saturday, was particularly disheartening for those in rural areas who had hoped to catch a glimpse of the Palapitta, only to find their wishes unfulfilled.
Bird enthusiasts and conservationists expressed deep concern over the declining sightings of the ‘Palapitta’, attributing the drop to increased poaching during the festival season. As the state bird of Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha, the ‘Palapitta’ image has instead circulated widely on mobile platforms, with people sharing well-wishes in place of actual sightings.
Temple priest Marayana Murthy highlighted the bird’s cultural and spiritual significance in Hinduism. He recounted how, in the Treta Yuga, Lord Rama saw the Palapitta before embarking on his mission to defeat Ravana, and the Pandavas encountered the bird upon their return from exile. The priest emphasised the bird’s embodiment of Lord Shiva, underscoring its sacred status.
Experts point to rapid urbanisation and deforestation as key factors in the Palapitta’s declining population. As cities expand and natural habitats shrink, the bird’s presence during festivals like Dasara has become increasingly rare. With its absence keenly felt this year, many hope that renewed conservation efforts will restore the Palapitta to its rightful place in the celebration of tradition and spirituality.