Naag Panchami

In Hindu mythology, snakes often symbolize virility and it is this aspect of the snake that the people worship on this day. The catching and using of snakes are banned under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Citizens must offer prayers to snake idols or images. But when I was young the rituals required women to offer milk to a REAL LIVE snake. It was said that if the snake sipped the milk, good fortune was coming to your family. I remember being transfixed looking at various live Cobras up close while my mom and grandma offered milk to the snake. The snake charmer (Garudi) would neatly place the cobras in round bamboo shoots baskets. He used to carry 3 to 4 snakes easily, and I would see at least 15 live big, long, majestic snakes. However, for safety reasons and the knowledge based on the later theory that milk might kill snakes, this practice was stopped.Snake idols are either bought or prepared using clay, milk, turmeric, grass, and flowers. Red hibiscus flowers are part of the worship near snake holes. Ploughing, digging, and cutting grass/crops on fields is strictly prohibited as it is believed this can anger the serpent god or harm snakes in that region#indianfestival #NaagPanchami #indianfestivals2022