Imagine celebrating Diwali in complete silence—not the booming firecrackers or the colourful fireworks lighting up the night, but rather a deep and tranquil peace that seems almost magical. For the villagers of Kollukudipatti in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, this has been their way of life for over three decades. Each year, they come together to celebrate Diwali without a single firecracker, preserving not only their own peace but that of the Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, located right next door.
Nestled close to these villages, Vettangudi is one of South India’s oldest bird sanctuaries, stretching over 38.40 hectares. It’s a vital wintering ground for nearly 200 bird species. Every migration season (winter), the sanctuary bursts…