In more than 10 villages surrounding the Vellode Bird Sanctuary in Erode, Tamil Nadu, residents have been celebrating Diwali for the past 21 years without using firecrackers, in order to ensure the safety of the birds.
प्रेम की मिसाल दिवाली, परिंदों की खातिर 21 साल से पटाखे नहीं जलाते तमिलनाडु के 10 गांव
Headlines…
- In more than 10 villages across the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, residents are celebrating Diwali without firecrackers for the 21st consecutive year.
- The villagers adopted this tradition to protect the thousands of birds that inhabit or visit the Vellode Bird Sanctuary from the impact of loud noises and pollution.
- Children are also part of this initiative; instead of using noisy firecrackers, they celebrate the festival with sparklers.
- Spanning approximately 240 acres, the Vellode Bird Sanctuary serves as a vital habitat for numerous local and migratory bird species.
In the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, a unique way of celebrating Diwali has emerged, setting an inspiring example for environmental and wildlife conservation. For the past 21 years, residents of over 10 villages surrounding the Vellode Bird Sanctuary have refrained from bursting firecrackers during Diwali. This year, too, the villagers continued this tradition on Sunday, celebrating the festival without any loud, explosive firecrackers.
The villagers initiated this practice to shield the thousands of birds—both those that reside in the sanctuary and those that migrate there annually—from the noise and air pollution caused by firecrackers. Notably, the younger generation is also actively participating in this initiative; children, too, have chosen to forgo noisy firecrackers, opting instead to celebrate with sparklers.
A 21-Year-Old Tradition Dedicated to Bird Conservation
In the villages surrounding the Vellode Bird Sanctuary—located about 10 kilometers from Erode city—the practice of not bursting firecrackers has evolved into a collective commitment. The villagers adopted this voluntarily to ensure that the birds are not distressed by the loud noises and smoke typically associated with Diwali.
Despite this, the joy of the festival remains undiminished. People celebrate by wearing new clothes, exchanging greetings, and observing traditional Diwali customs. If some families wish to burst firecrackers, they do so at the homes of relatives located outside the vicinity of the sanctuary.
Vellode Bird Sanctuary spans 240 acres
The Vellode Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 240 acres. It was established by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1996 and is one of 16 bird sanctuaries included in the official list of protected areas in Tamil Nadu.
Unlike many other bird sanctuaries in the state, Vellode is not surrounded by a forest. Its ecological significance is centered on the Periakulam Lake, which provides food, nesting sites, and breeding grounds for birds arriving from various parts of India and abroad.
The sanctuary is also a habitat for many migratory birds
Typically, there is significant bird activity in the sanctuary between March and October—a period that coincides with their nesting and breeding season. However, according to local villagers, the number of birds currently present is quite low, with only a few local and migratory species visible.
In previous years, thousands of birds have visited the site, including species such as the bar-headed goose, black-tailed godwit, Eurasian spoonbill, spot-billed pelican, western marsh harrier, and blue-tailed bee-eater.
This initiative, which has been sustained for 21 consecutive years, demonstrates that local communities can play a major, voluntary role in wildlife conservation. These villages in Erode have set an example showing that it is possible to protect nature and birds while still maintaining the festive spirit of Diwali.
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