Chittanapara, a village near Bharananganam in Kerala's Kottayam district, is poised for a remarkable transformation. Soon, with an inspiring new initiative aimed at turning it into a "butterfly village," the area will be abuzz with the vibrant flutter of colourful butterflies. The project, initiated by the Omraam Library, seeks to attract and sustain a wide variety of butterfly species by planting flowers that these beautiful insects adore.
Interestingly, the same library, which played a crucial role in turning Chittanapara into a "Kanthari village" during the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting the cultivation of bird's eye chilli (Kanthari), is now planning to create a butterfly-friendly environment. To bring the butterfly hub vision to life, the village will soon see the planting of a variety of plants known to attract butterflies. Saplings of rattlepods (kilukki), pagoda flowers (krishnamudi), and indigenous lemon species will be grown along roadsides, in fields, and around homes throughout the village.
These plants, carefully selected for their ability to lure butterflies, will help create a thriving habitat where these beautiful creatures can breed and multiply. As more of their favourite plants grow in the village, the butterfly population is expected to flourish, filling the sky with the wonderful sight of their colourful wings fluttering everywhere. The saplings will be planted not only in public spaces but also around the homes of library members and other villagers, ens.