I visited the village of Kone in Nashik district yesterday where we are doing conservation and ecological restoration. I had a magical experience of witnessing fireflies. Here is a small poem expressing my emotions.
The Magic of Fireflies: A Call to Conserve
There’s a quiet, almost sacred moment when fireflies begin to glow —
a flickering dance of light that silences the noise of the world.
In their gentle luminescence lies a truth we often forget:
that the most beautiful things in nature are also the most fragile.
To witness fireflies is to glimpse an ancient rhythm of life,
one that depends on undisturbed forests, clean air, and native trees
like Terminalia tomentosa — their preferred haven.
But their glow is fading, dimmed by disappearing habitats
and fragmented ecosystems.
Yet, in their fleeting brilliance, a stronger resolve ignites.
We plant not just trees, but lifelines.
Each sapling becomes a promise —
to restore what we’ve lost and protect what remains.
This is more than reforestation.
It’s re-enchantment.
It’s remembering that to conserve is to care,
and to restore is to believe
that a future where fireflies still dance is one worth building.
CLN has previously published two posts on fireflies by Dr. Bishan Monnappa – Starlit Earth, and Arcadian Rhythms…. And Parked Enroute.
So nicely penned.
It’s another of those old-world charms that’s fast disappearing from our modern lives.
It’s heartening to note that there still are people who are striving hard to reconnect us to that good old world.
Indeed a beautiful poem, reminded me of my childhood days, I would love to have those miracles back in our estates and forests.
We can do it together. Needs strong resolve and the Universe will conspire to make it happen
Thank you Sarayu for the beautiful poem and a reminder to all the young and not so young people to look out for this magical synchronised performance. These “minna pulus” were seen everywhere on the landscape of Kodagu – for that matter even at our home in Madikeri. There were large bushes or hedge plants of “Pataki Poo” or Hamelia patens commonly known as a Firebush, which were surrounded by millions of flickering fireflies. It used to be quite a spectacle. The. Consolidated Coffee Estates used to be packed with these fireflies, especially after a brief afternoon shower – when the clear night sky provided a perfect theatrical backdrop for a flickering light show provided by Nature.
Sadly with light pollution and the changing landscape contaminated by irresponsible tourism and new clueless owners of plantations these wonders of Nature are quickly disappearing.
We need our collection action to conserve nature – sooner than later
Very touching. This reminded me of the magical spectacle of fireflies twinkling in the darkness. Those memories often symbolises childhood innocence, Freedom, connection with nature. The thrill of chasing fireflies on light pre-monsoon shower nights is indeed a classic childhood adventure that many people cherish.
The gentle glow of the fireflies, the thrill of the chase and the excitement of allowing one to gently sit on your palm – is a magical experience that can create lifelong memories.
Thank you Mamatha
Beautifully written by Sarayu. This is from the heart and obviously one can live her passion through this. God bless! May her tribe increase!
Thank you, Sudha