20/10/2025
In a heartwarming display of environmental awareness, the villagers of Kollukudipatti in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, have maintained a decade-long tradition of celebrating Diwali without firecrackers.
The nearby Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, one of South India's oldest, spans 38.40 hectares and serves as a crucial wintering ground for nearly 200 bird species, including a wide array of migratory birds.
From common storks, ibis, and herons to rare visitors like the yellow-wattled lapwing and lesser whistling duck, the sanctuary is a thriving hub of avian life.
For over 30 years, the villages of S Maampatti and Kollukudipatti have embraced silence during Diwali, preserving a peaceful environment that supports the birds' nesting and breeding activities.
"If the birds don't visit the tank, there won’t be a good harvest," says A Raman, a local farmer. "Their arrival signals a promising monsoon."
This enduring tradition passed down through generations, reflects the community's deep commitment to safeguarding the sanctuary's biodiversity.
This Diwali, Kollukudipatti reminds us all that sometimes the most meaningful way to celebrate is by giving nature the tranquillity it needs.
[Diwali, Bird Conservation, Migratory Birds, Tamil Nadu, Kollukudipatti, Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, Green Diwali]