[aspundir]

Banni Grasslands Reserve – Rann of Kutch (Chir Batti)


Banni Grasslands Reserve lies on the southern edge of the salt flats of Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. This is a seasonal marshy grassland that forms each year from monsoon rains. During night there have been frequent reports of an unexplained strange dancing light that locals refer to as Chir Batti. These lights are said to be as bright as mercury lamps that change in color from blue, red, yellow and resemble a pear shaped moving ball. They can move as fast as an arrow, but may also come to a standstill. According to local folklore Chir Batti has been a part of life in Banni Grasslands and has been witnessed for centuries. Some witnesses claim the light sometimes appears to follow them. Apart from locals, foreigners visiting the reserve and Border Security Force personnel too have reported seeing these lights. Scientists believe these lights are caused by oxidation of methane expelled from the marshes.