Cobras Rescued As Devotees Mark Nagapanchami
Devotees sought blessings of Nagadevatha for protection from evil. However, snake charmers continued to exploit the festival by capturing snakes and bringing them to residents for worship.
HYDERABAD: Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nagadevatha witnessed large gatherings on Monday as devotees offered prayers on Nagapanchami. Offerings of milk, eggs, fruits, flowers and turmeric were placed at snake pits, with worship at Shiva temples emphasised as the serpent is considered his necklace.
Devotees sought blessings of Nagadevatha for protection from evil. However, snake charmers continued to exploit the festival by capturing snakes and bringing them to residents for worship. In a joint operation, the Friends of Snakes Society and the Telangana Forest Department rescued 17 cobras from such practices.
The department said surveillance had been intensified against those capturing or mistreating snakes during the festival. Special measures are being implemented across the state to dispel myths and curb illegal trafficking.
Joint teams comprising anti‑poaching squads, forest staff and volunteers are conducting surprise inspections at temples, markets and transport hubs. Eight special teams have been deployed in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Sangareddy districts, with about 25 members of the Friends of Snakes Society assisting.
Officials explained to devotees that feeding milk to snakes is harmful, as snakes cannot digest it and may fall seriously ill. Awareness programmes at temples advised worshippers to offer prayers to snake idols instead of live snakes.
The department clarified that snakes are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and that capturing or transporting them illegally is punishable. Rescued snakes will be treated and, if healthy, released into safe forest areas.
Authorities urged the public to immediately inform the department if they spot snake charmers with live snakes or witness illegal capture.
