National Moth Week 2026: Immerse in these exciting activities in Mumbai to learn about the creatures

This week wersquore tipping our hats to our favourite Indian moth species Shammi Kapoor Shahrukh Khan Rajesh Khanna mdash didnrsquot they all proudly declare themselves parwanas moths onscreen while likening their lady loves to shama flame While moths have enjoyed star status in Bollywood across eras in nature theyrsquove lived in the shadows of their prettier cousins butterflies for far too longNishna Mehta and Sefi GeorgeNishna Mehta founder of Nature Narratives recalls her moment of realisation ldquoI was pursuing the Certificate Course in Butterfly Studies by the Bombay Natural History Society BNHS in 2018 On September 22 at a Ganesh Chaturthi celebration a lost Tussar Silk Moth flew into the bright flood lights The residents jumped up from their chairs scared A group of children started throwing small bottles and sticks at the mothrdquo Mehta alongside nature educators will aim to change that fear into curiosity this weekGet mothing in MumbaiStory time In accordance with the theme for the year lsquoMoths in Artrsquo Mehta will present The Wild Doesnrsquot Need Google Maps an interactive storytelling performance that shines a light on the navigation adaptation and the impact of artificial light on the nocturnal pollinatorsPIC COURTESYSefi GeorgeBuild a moth Learn how to make paper models of moths below with movable wings Nature educator Sefi Georgersquos craft workshop includes an introductory learning session ldquoOnce you start looking closely moths are unbelievably diverse beautifully patterned and full of surprises Making something with your hands is one of the best ways to remember and fall in love with a speciesrdquo she reminds us Let there be light Observe moth species up close at a special moth screen set up by experts A bright light is cast on a large white screen attracting moths to the setupOnlineON July 24 830 pm to 10 pmLOG ON TO summer_scribbles or naturenarratives to register OfflineON July 25 6 pmAT Venue disclosed on registrationMESSAGE 8454807467 on WhatsApp for queriesTussar Silk Moth PIC COURTESYWIKIMEDIAMoth of the matchStill reeling under the FIFA World Cup hangover The first iNaturalist Moth Cup might be your fix Moth species from across continents are battling it out in an online voteout Cast your vote wiselyLOG ON TO inaturalistorgAlso check outJoin moth biologistDr Pritha Dey below at an online webinar on a pertinent topic Why Moths MatterON Today 4 pmLOG ON TO aaranyak_india to registerRear viewStudents observe caterpillars that they reared in their school PIC COURTESYINATUREWATCHJust like butterflies moths experience a life cycle that includes stages like the larva and cocoon In Mumbai iNaturewatch Foundation is encouraging schools to rear caterpillars in controlled environments to help students watch and learn the life cycle of moths Schools can register to receive rearing kits and guidance from the foundationLOG ON TO inaturewatchorgprojectmothcaterpillarsThe Sri Lankan Atlas MothDid You KnowStarted in New Jersey in 2012 National Moth Week is now celebrated around the world on the last week of July