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

Nishna Mehta sets up a moth screen

This week, we're tipping our hats to our favourite Indian moth species: Shammi Kapoor, Shahrukh Khan, Rajesh Khanna - didn't they all proudly declare themselves parwanas (moths) on-screen, while likening their lady loves to shama (flame)? While moths have enjoyed star status in Bollywood across eras, in nature they've lived in the shadows of their prettier cousins, butterflies for far too long.

Nishna Mehta and Sefi George

Nishna Mehta, founder of Nature Narratives, recalls her moment of realisation, "I 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 moth." Mehta, alongside nature educators, will aim to change that fear into curiosity this week.

Get mothing in Mumbai

Story time: In accordance with the theme for the year ‘Moths in Art' Mehta will present The Wild Doesn't Need Google Maps, an interactive storytelling performance that shines a light on the navigation, adaptation and the impact of artificial light on the nocturnal pollinators.

PIC COURTESY/Sefi George

Build a moth: Learn how to make paper models of moths (below) with movable wings. Nature educator Sefi George's craft workshop includes an introductory learning session. "Once 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 species," 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 set-up.

Online
ON July 24; 8.30 pm to 10 pm
LOG ON TO @summer_scribbles or @nature.narratives to register

Offline
ON July 25; 6 pm
AT Venue disclosed on registration
MESSAGE 8454807467 (on WhatsApp for queries)

Tussar Silk Moth. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA

Moth of the match
Still 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 vote-out. Cast your vote wisely.
LOG ON TO @inaturalist.org

Also check out

Join moth biologist

Dr Pritha Dey (below) at an online webinar on a pertinent topic: Why Moths Matter.
ON Today; 4 pm
LOG ON TO @aaranyak_india to register

Rear view

Students observe caterpillars that they reared in their school. PIC COURTESY/INATUREWATCH

Just 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 foundation.
LOG ON TO inaturewatch.org/project-moth-caterpillars

The Sri Lankan Atlas Moth

Did You Know?

Started in New Jersey in 2012, National Moth Week is now celebrated around the world on the last week of July