Villages around Vellode sanctuary celebrate cracker-free Deepavali for 21st year

Residents of more than 10 villages surrounding the Vellode Birds Sanctuary in Erode district celebrated Deepavali without bursting firecrackers for the
21st consecutive year on Sunday, reaffirming their commitment to protecting birds from noise and air pollution.
The villagers have voluntarily maintained the tradition to ensure that the festival does not disturb thousands of resident and migratory birds that visit the sanctuary.
Children have played an important role in sustaining the initiative by avoiding noisy firecrackers and limiting their celebrations to sparklers.
Families celebrated the festival by wearing new clothes, exchanging greetings and observing traditional customs without disturbing the birds. Some residents who wished to burst firecrackers chose to visit relatives in villages outside the sanctuary’s vicinity.
Located about 10 km from Erode town, the Vellode Birds Sanctuary spreads over approximately 240 acres and centres around the Periyakulam Lake. Established in 1996, it provides feeding, nesting and breeding habitats for several resident and migratory bird species.
The sanctuary has recorded the arrival of several species over the years, including bar-headed geese, black-tailed godwits, Eurasian spoonbills, spot-billed pelicans, western marsh harriers and blue-tailed bee-eaters.
Although the number of birds spotted in the sanctuary is currently relatively low, residents remain committed to protecting its ecosystem.
The 21-year-old community initiative stands as an example of how voluntary public
participation can help conserve wildlife while ensuring that traditional festivities continue in an environmentally responsible manner.