More than 10 Tamil Nadu villages have celebrated a cracker-free Diwali for 21 years to protect birds. Residents near the Vellode Birds Sanctuary in Erode avoid fireworks to keep migratory species safe from smoke and noise. Families now prefer wearing new clothes and eating festive food to mark the occasion.

Diwali is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. There are 10 villages in Tamil Nadu who love their birds and other wildlife to the level that villagers have not burst crackers for ages now. In a heartwarming example of people putting wildlife before festivities, more than 10 villages surrounding the Vellode Birds Sanctuary in Erode district observe a cracker-free Diwali. While fireworks are traditionally associated with the festival of lights, residents of these villages choose to celebrate without bursting crackers, because sudden flashes and smoke can disturb migratory birds.

A community conservation storyLocated approximately 12 km from Erode town, Vellode Bird Sanctuary is among Tamil Nadu's important wetland habitats. Situated in Vadamugam Vellode village in Perundurai taluk, the sanctuary is spread across 77.185 hectares and is centred around a freshwater lake locally known as Periyakulam.As per Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the sanctuary was declared a protected area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, through a government order dated February 29, 2000.The sanctuary attracts birds migrating from different parts of the world, including Australia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and the Himalayan region.

This place is a heaven for birdwatchers.

An ecologically important placeThe sanctuary is also recognised for its ecological importance. The Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission records 148 bird species at the site and identifies it as part of the Central Asian Flyway. The wetland supports more than 20,000 waterbirds, including resident and migratory species such as terns, ibises, egrets, herons, storks, pelicans, ducks and cormorants.The lake here is only a resting place for birds, but also serves as a source of water for surrounding agricultural fields. Its water is sustained by rainfall and seepage associated with the Lower Bhavani Project canal system.Villages where Diwali is celebrated differentlyThe tradition of avoiding firecrackers around the sanctuary is now over two decades old. More than 10 neighbouring villages have embraced a quieter celebration.These 10 villages are:

* Vadamugam Vellode

* Sellappampalayam (Chellappampalayam)

* Pungambadi

* Mettupalayam

* Ellapalayam

* Semmandampalayam

* Karukkankattu Valasu

* Koothampalayam

* Vadagalpudur

* KalarpalayamAccording to a PTI report published on November 8, 2026, the surrounding villages marked their 21st consecutive cracker-free Diwali. Kids voluntarily gave up firecrackers, with some choosing sparklers instead, while families celebrated by wearing new clothes and preparing festive food.

A destination for birdwatchersThe sanctuary has recorded several interesting bird species over the years. Some prominent birds include:

* Bar-headed goose

* Black-tailed godwit

* Eurasian spoonbill

* Spot-billed pelican

* Western marsh harrier

* Blue-tailed bee-eaterBefore planning a trip, travellers should check local conditions.

How to reach Vellode Bird SanctuaryBy air: Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 90 km away.By road: It is approximately 12 km from Erode and is connected by the Erode-Chennimalai main road.By train: Erode Junction is the nearest major railway station, approximately 15 km away.However, it is important to know that Vellode in Tamil Nadu is more than a bird sanctuary. It is an example of how conservation does not always have to begin with large government campaigns or strict restrictions. Sometimes, it starts with a community making a small but meaningful decision: celebrating a festival a little differently so that thousands of birds can continue to call their neighbourhood home.