While most parts of India will have fireworks, smoke and bursting crackers as the background music for their Diwali celebrations, a quaint village in Tamil Nadu has decided to uphold its century-old vow - to have a silent festival of lights. The Perambur village near Kollidam in Mayiladuthurai does not create noise pollution for a straightforward reason. Hundreds of fruit bats, which the villagers consider sacred, roost in an ancient, sprawling banyan tree in the village. Though located a kilometre away from Perambur's residential area, villagers believe the 'Vavval thoppu' grove is central to their identity. 

The 'bat grove,' which some villagers wish to promote as an eco-tourism spot while others fear it might disrupt the area's ecosystem, has stopped the residents from creating noise pollution for decades. For them, it's not a restriction, but a tradition they follow. The banyan tree also has a small shrine for 'Lord Muneeswaran,' The area has created considerable interest among nature lovers and ornithologists, but the remote village isn't easily accessible. 

How to reach Perambur?
Interestingly, one has to walk through a three-foot-wide, knee-deep muddy field to reach Perambur! Interestingly, officers are concerned about whether the activity of laying the road in itself can create noise pollution and disturb the bats. Meanwhile, they are considering whether to lay a road up to 500 metres from the site and set up an observation deck for researchers and visitors. The villagers celebrate Diwali at the local temple named Sri Aaladiamman Kovil. 

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