Peacock

India’s National Bird and a Timeless Cultural Icon

The Peacock (Pavo cristatus), proudly recognised as the National Bird of India, is a celebrated symbol of grace, beauty, joy and love. Majestic in appearance, this vibrant, swan-sized bird is instantly identifiable by its fan-shaped crest, shimmering blue neck, long slender form, and striking white facial markings.

A Magnificent Display of Colour and Elegance

Among the species, the male peacock is renowned for its dazzling beauty. Its iridescent blue breast and neck, along with a breathtaking bronze-green train of nearly 200 elongated feathers, create one of nature’s most spectacular displays. The female, known as the peahen, is smaller, brownish in colour, and without the elaborate train. She typically lays 3–5 eggs in shallow nests made in tree hollows, bushes, or small ground depressions.

Despite their grandeur, peacocks are hardy birds with remarkable adaptability. They thrive in Rajasthan’s arid deserts as comfortably as in cooler climates across Europe and America. Preferring forested areas and scrublands near water bodies, they run swiftly on strong legs—flying only short distances.

A Sacred Place in Indian Culture and Art

Known as “Mayur” or “Mor” in Sanskrit and Hindi, the peacock holds a revered place in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. It appears widely in classical music, dance, folklore, miniature paintings, temple sculptures and traditional crafts.

The peacock feather is intimately associated with Lord Krishna, who adorns it on his crown, symbolising divine love and beauty. The bird also serves as the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), the warrior god and son of Lord Shiva. The joyful image of a dancing peacock announcing the onset of the monsoon remains one of Indian art’s most cherished themes.

A Protected Jewel of India’s Wildlife

To conserve this iconic species, the peacock is safeguarded under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, ensuring it remains a living symbol of India’s natural and cultural splendour.

Commemorative Stamp Issue: Celebrating Indo-Papua New Guinea Friendship

To honour the warm and growing diplomatic relationship between India and Papua New Guinea, the postal administrations of both nations collaborated to release a joint commemorative stamp issue. This special release features each country’s national bird—the Peacock of India and the Raggiana Bird of Paradise of Papua New Guinea—symbolising friendship, cultural pride and shared values between the two Commonwealth nations.

This philatelic tribute beautifully captures the essence of both countries’ natural heritage and their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across cultural, scientific, educational and economic domains.