According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated on Shrawan or the moon day of Shukla Paksha of Shrawan month. According to the Gregorian calendar, the festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated every year in the month of July or August. According to Vedic beliefs, the Nag is considered the king of snakes. If the snake is angry, there is a lack of water, so there is a tradition of worshiping the snake to make it happy. Cow's milk, Akshata, Dubo, Kheer and Roti are offered and the worship of the snake is being celebrated by sticking it on the main door of the house.

There are cases where the venomous snakes of Nepal, Goman, Karet and Baghe snakes (Russell's Viper) have killed people. The longest non-venomous snake found in Nepal is Python and the world's longest venomous snake Rajgoman (King Cobra) is also found in Nepal. Lack of proper knowledge about snake species, snake bite management and snake conservation has led to escalating conflicts between humans and snakes that are harming both in our village.

Why to protects snakes?

In terms of religious and cultural significance, there are many legends about snakes. In Hinduism, it is customary to worship snakes on the day of Nag Panchami. By doing so, there is a religious belief that one can avoid snake bites and live in peace. Snakes feed on small lizards, fish, frogs, lizards, birds and mammals, while Eagles, hawks, newer mice, etc. feed on snakes and their eggs. In the same way, ecosystem balance is distributed. By eating rats and insects in a natural way, snakes are increasing the production of farmers on the one hand and helping to save the environment by reducing the use of pest control chemicals on the other hand.

Similarly, from snake venom, antisnake venom serum is made which is used to treat snake bites. Snake venom is also used to make many other life-saving medicines. Its venoms are used to treat brain injuries, strokes, mental stress, as well as painkillers, and to treat heart attacks and high blood pressure.

How to contribute to snake conservation?

Participate in any public awareness program on snakes, snake bites and snake conservation and learn about the venomous and non-venomous snakes found around your area.

Let the people close to you know the illusions and facts that you know.

If you suddenly see a snake inside or outside your home, do not kill it, but report it to the rescue center immediately.

Increasing urbanization, industrialization and deforestation will affect the habitat of other animals as well as snakes. Let’s Contribute to their habitat protection and nature conservation.

If you find out about any illegal activities related to snakes or other animals such as poaching or smuggling or unnecessarily playing with snakes, snake charmers or stunt performers, contact the nearest Forest Department or Animal Rescue Center or any related body.

Reference: Pandey, D.P., Subedi Pandey, G., Devkota, K. et al. Public perceptions of snakes and snakebite management: implications for conservation and human health in southern Nepal. J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine 12, 22 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-016-0092-0