Why Kollukudipatti celebrates a 'silent' Diwali every year
Every Diwali, the people of Kollukudipatti in Tamil Nadu skip firecrackers and keep things quiet—for a pretty awesome reason.
For over 50 years, they've celebrated a "silent" Diwali to protect the flocks of birds that visit the nearby Vettangudi Sanctuary.
The sanctuary, set up back in 1977, is a key wetland for all sorts of migratory and local birds, making this peaceful tradition a big deal for conservation.
How the birds help local farmers
The birds aren't just visitors—they actually help local farmers. Their droppings act as natural fertilizer, which boosts crop yields and keeps the soil healthy.
As farmer Ganesh explains, the presence of many birds signals that rain will come soon, and their lives prosper only if they take care of the birds.
On Diwali, instead of fireworks, villagers light oil lamps and share sweets, celebrating their special bond with these "divine birds" and their role in protecting the sanctuary.