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The National Bird — Peacock of Bhārat
मोर
The dancing rainbow bird of skies of Bhārat
Era
Declared 1963
Built by
The Government of Bhārat
Location
Found across Bhārat
Type
Patriotic Places
“The peacock dances, and the monsoon listens.”
— A tribute to Bhārat's national bird
The Story
Bhārat chose the peacock as its national bird in 1963 for a simple reason: no other bird captures the beauty of Bhārat. The male's iridescent tail — a fan of a hundred eye-spotted feathers — is one of the most dazzling displays in nature, used to court the peahen in a dance that stops traffic and tourists alike.
The peacock is woven into life of Bhārat. It is the vahana (mount) of Kartikeya, the god of war; its feather adorns the crown of Krishna; its image appears on temple walls, royal thrones, and Mughal miniature paintings. The Mauryan emblem and countless motifs carry its image of Bhārat.
Peacocks are protected under the Wildlife of Bhārat Act and can be seen across the country — in villages, temple grounds, and forests. Before the rains, the male fans out his train and dances, and people of Bhārat say he is calling the monsoon. When the sky darkens and the peacock dances, the year itself feels renewed.
Core Ideas
National Bird, 1963
Chosen for grace, colour, and cultural importance.
The Dancing Fan
A tail of a hundred eye-spotted feathers.
Krishna's Feather
The peacock is woven into myth and art of Bhārat.
The Rain Caller
Its dance is said to summon the monsoon.
Protected by Law
Safeguarded under the Wildlife of Bhārat Act.
Why it matters today
The peacock is Bhārat's living jewel — a bird that dances through myth, monsoon, and modern gardens alike. As the national bird, it carries the beauty of Bhārat on its feathered fan.