World Sparrow Day – Celebrating the small but Mighty Birds

World Sparrow Day is celebrated annually on March 20th to raise awareness about the plight of sparrows and to encourage people to take action to protect and conserve these precious birds. These small, brown birds are known for their cheerful chirping and can often be seen hopping around in gardens and parks or perched on telephone wires and rooftops. The sparrow, or “goraiya” as it is known in Hindi, was a common sight in many parts of India, however, in recent years, due to urbanization, pollution and other reasons, their numbers have declined significantly, and they have become a rare sight in many urban areas.

World Sparrow Day is an important day for India and for the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of conserving our natural environment and protecting the wildlife that inhabits it. By taking action to protect and conserve the sparrow, we can help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the cheerful chirping of these beloved birds.

In March 2020, when I visited Vrindavan Gardens in Mysore, I was amazed to see House Sparrows in large numbers adapted well to living alongside humans, and flitting around city streets.