Cracker-free Diwali in 8 Tamil Nadu villages for 17 yrs 
Eight villages surrounding the Vellode Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu have not burst crackers for the past 17 years. The decision was taken as loud sounds and toxic fumes from crackers could scare migratory birds away. The sanctuary, established in 1996, sees thousands of birds arrive from Australia and New Zealand between September and December. 