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In the villages of S Maampatti and Kollukudipatti in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, Diwali is celebrated with silence rather than fireworks.

For over 22 years, the villagers have refrained from bursting crackers during the festival to protect migratory birds that visit the nearby Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary.

Each year, from October to March, the sanctuary becomes home to species such as Grey Herons, Spoonbills, White Ibises, and Flamingos, which arrive to nest and hatch their eggs.

With Diwali often falling during this period, the villagers fear that the noise from fireworks could disturb the birds during this critical phase.

As a result, over 900 families have chosen to forgo traditional customs like distributing sweets, taking oil baths, and wearing new clothes to maintain a peaceful environment for the birds.

Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, spread across 40 hectares near Thirupathur and Madurai, serves as a safe haven for thousands of migratory birds each winter.

The villagers’ commitment to protecting these birds highlights their deep respect for nature and its seasonal visitors.