It was American philosopher Henry David Thoreau who once said, "Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulders." It's a quote that alludes to a certain enigma that butterflies have. Think about it. There are few things in nature as ephemerally beautiful as a butterfly that flutters in the wind in all its glorious colours before it flies off to a place you will never know. And Mumbaikars now have the chance to spot multiple such species at a butterfly festival that Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and World Wildlife Fund is joining hands for, with mid-day as the media partner.

It will be held at BNHS' Conservation Education Centre (CEC) campus in Goregaon. The unique thing about this place, CEC's assistant director Dr Raju Kasambe tells us, is that particular flowers known to attract butterflies were planted in abundance here so that the insect population is concentrated in one area. "Mumbai has approximately 150 butterfly species and we have already spotted 120 at the CEC," he says, indicating how visitors at the festival are bound to be treated to a feast for the eyes. We ask Kasambe to share details about five butterfly types that you can expect to spot at the festival. Keep an eye out for his options and who knows, one might even perch itself on your shoulder if you don't give it too much attention.