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Fri May 25 18:43:28 SAST 2012

Worshipping the cobra

TimesLIVE | 30 January, 2012 12:191 Comments

Image by: Clement Lekanyane

Last week our readers were horrified to see an article we posted about a 1-year-old Israeli baby who was found chewing a 35-centimetre-long snake in his room - read on to see what we have for you now.

This week we wish to draw your attention to a festival called Nag Panchami which happens in India each year, where locals worship and celebrate the existence of snakes.

During the festival which happens on July 24 this year, the snake is bathed in milk whilst the snake charmer plays music.

Prayers are conducted where people ask for protection from a snake bite. 

Shiva, the god depicted with a snake around his neck is also worshiped.

From birth, children are constantly surrounded by snakes. In this video you will see a defanged Cobra with no venom, striking at an infant who just can't get close enough.

We are sure that this practice will alarm you just as much as the baby who killed a snake with its teeth.

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Worshipping the cobra

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COMMENTS [1]

littlfeat

Posted 116 days ago
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This is a very cruel practice and often the snakes lips are sewn together making it impossible for the snake to bite and feed and it eventually dies of starvation or infection from the wounds. This "worship" of snakes is nothing more than a sadistic ritual.