Gangtok: In a groundbreaking celebration of Sikkim’s 50th year as a full-fledged Indian state, the Butterfly Society of Sikkim–TPCF has launched the state’s first-ever Butterthon—a vibrant, peaceful journey of butterfly-watching that spans from May 1 to May 16, 2025.
Far from being a race of speed, the Butterthon is a celebration of nature, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism, inviting participants to explore the kaleidoscope of butterfly species across Sikkim’s rich natural habitats.
What makes this initiative truly historic is its international and pan-India participation. Joining the event are global nature lovers including renowned Indian ornithologist Dr. Peter Lobo, American enthusiast Joseph Coleman Thompson Jr., and Indika Upul Jayatissa from Sri Lanka—marking the first time international visitors have come to Sikkim specifically for butterfly watching. Indian participants from states like Maharashtra and West Bengal, including Fahim Khan, Savita, Sarpita Bose, Subhajit Roy, Bias Chakraborty, Aaratrik Pal, and Amit Chakraborty, have also made their way to the Himalayan state to take part in this unique event.
The Butterthon takes place in various parts of Sikkim, from dense forests to alpine meadows, where volunteers and members of the Butterfly Society of Sikkim are diligently spotting and documenting butterfly species. The initiative aims not just to mark a significant milestone in the state’s history, but also to promote butterfly tourism as a fresh and exciting eco-tourism model for Sikkim.
Though small in size—just 7,086 square kilometres—Sikkim holds an extraordinary biodiversity, sheltering nearly 60% of all butterfly species found in India. Many of these species are rare and endemic, making the region a natural treasure for both enthusiasts and researchers.
The organisers of the Butterthon hope the event will inspire youth to engage with nature through butterfly-watching, potentially turning it into a profession. With growing global interest in conservation-based travel, they believe butterfly tourism could emerge as a sustainable livelihood option for local communities while fostering awareness about preserving fragile ecosystems.
Through this first-of-its-kind event, the Butterfly Society of Sikkim is not just celebrating a historic moment but also laying the foundation for a future where ecological appreciation and economic opportunity go hand in hand.
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