Erode: While Deepavali celebrations reverberated with firecracker explosions across the country, a thoughtful gesture emerged in seven villages of Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
Situated around Vadamugam Vellode, just 10 kilometers from the local bird sanctuary, these villages chose to celebrate Deepavali with lights only, avoiding any sound to protect the avian inhabitants.
The bird sanctuary attracts thousands of local and migratory bird species between October and January for nesting and hatching. With Deepavali falling in October or November, the more than 900 families residing around the sanctuary opted to forego firecrackers for the past 22 years to avoid disturbing the birds.
During Deepavali, the villagers adhere to a conservation approach, allowing only sparklers for their children instead of bursting crackers. This year, Sellappampalayam, Vadamugam Vellode, Semmandampalayam, Karukkankattu Valasu, Pungampadi, and two other villages continued the tradition of a silent Deepavali.
Amidst the festivities, thousands of birds in the sanctuary remained undisturbed, as no incidents were reported on Saturday and Sunday. This considerate approach to Deepavali reflects the villagers' commitment to preserving the sanctity of the bird sanctuary and its winged residents.