Every year, starting in October, black-headed and brown-headed gulls from the cold regions of Siberia embark on a long and arduous journey, flying thousands of kilometers to reach the heart of India. One of their most remarkable stopovers is the Yamuna River in Delhi—a place where nature, faith, and daily life converge in extraordinary harmony. This seasonal migration, which continues until March, creates one of the most poetic scenes in the rhythm of nature.

The Yamuna River, considered sacred by Hindus and one of the major tributaries of the Ganges, is a site of deep spiritual significance. Every morning, long before the city awakens, people gather along its banks. They immerse themselves in the river to cleanse their bodies and souls, to pray, and to release the ashes of loved ones into the flowing water. It is a place where the cycle of life and death is not only remembered but lived—renewed with every sunrise.

As the first light of dawn colors the sky, thousands of gulls rise from the water with a symphony of wings. Their presence turns the river into a living painting—mist dancing over the surface, birds filling the air like scattered pearls, and soft chants rising from the riverbank. This magical meeting of migration and ritual creates an atmosphere so surreal that it feels suspended between dream and reality.

Locals and travelers alike are drawn to witness this spectacle. Long before sunrise, they arrive at the river’s edge, not only to pray but to become part of this visual poetry. Children toss bits of bread into the air, photographers line the ghats, and elders sit quietly, watching the birds with reverence. The Yamuna at dawn becomes a theater of light, wings, and whispered prayers—a timeless space where nature’s choreography meets the human spirit.

Migration and Prayer

People who want to watch the Black-headed Gulls migrating from Siberia to the Yamuna River reach the birds by passing through narrow streets and climbing the stairs leading down to the river.

Migration and Prayer

The young captain was organizing boat tours for people who wanted to see the birds up close

Migration and Prayer

The tiny baby, who came with his mother to watch the migratory birds, was watching the surroundings with curious eyes.

Migration and Prayer

On one side, a family was holding the funeral of their deceased father, while on the other side, a man was throwing food into the Yamuna River to feed migratory birds.

Migration and Prayer

The arrival of the black-headed gulls has increased the interest in boat tours on the Yamuna River. People join the boat tours to take photographs among the birds.

Migration and Prayer

The captain was trying to sell bird seed on his boat to the people who came to the Yamuna River with the arrival of the Black-headed Gulls.

Migration and Prayer

Dogs, an integral part of the temple on the banks of the Yamuna River, were also watching the new guests of the river with curious eyes

Migration and Prayer

When the man entered the Yamuna river to perform the purification ritual, he seemed to be in a world of magic with black-headed gulls.

Migration and Prayer

When the young man saw the birds flying over the Yamuna river, he opened his arms and tried to feel the freedom like the birds.

Migration and Prayer

The Indian couple was trying to feed the few remaining birds that were slowly heading towards the city as the sun rose.