Among the residents was an old man who regaled the children with stories of olden days. According to this, there was a witch in the forest nearby who had been banished there because the villagers could not stand her terrible singing. Though terrified, the farmer realised this must be the witch singing, and followed the sound. It was too good an offer to refuse, so the witch moved back to the village with the farmer. On full moon nights, when the witch sang, all the villagers stuffed their ears and shut their doors and windows to keep the noise out!

Source: The Hindu July 26, 2023 21:46 UTC