Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Jun 19 (IANS): As monsoon approaches, there are more peacocks than humans in this Uttar Pradesh village of Gorakhpur district.

Koni located about 10 kilometers from Gorakhpur, is a tiny village that has earned the name of 'Mor wala gaon' (peacock village).

Ram Lal Kori, a senior resident of the village recalls the association with peacocks.

"In 1998, the area was flooded during monsoon. We saw two pairs of peacocks looking for shelters. We made arrangements for their shelter and gave them food. When the water receded, we all returned to our homes but the peacocks came with us too. Today we have around 170 peacocks in the village," he recalled.

The village has four small ponds, surrounded by bamboo trees, and dozens of peacocks can be seen strutting and dancing there.

The villagers make an extra effort to protect these national birds.

"Children are pulled up if they try to disturb the peacocks and even the stray dogs have become accustomed to their presence. Each resident of the village gives food to the peacocks and takes care of them when the peahens lay eggs. In fact, people keep food grains and water on their terraces for the birds," he said.

Ram Lal Kori said that several people, over the years, have contacted the villagers with a request to buy peacocks.

"We will never allow anyone to take away or steal a peacock. We do not put them in cages and even the peacocks do not stray out of the village," he said.

Every house in Koni village is adorned with peacock feathers.

When a peacock dies, the locals perform the burial in a ceremonial manner. The life of a peacock is between 20 to 25 years.

The state forest officials have named the village as 'bird guardian'.