MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, August 13, 2002: The age-old tradition of naagpanchami celebrations at Batis Shirala may never quite be the same again. The Mumbai High Court has banned the use of snakes in any procession or competitions. This has angered the villagers, as they are left with no option but to follow the court orders under the supervision of the district administration. Villagers like 57-year-old Dadasao Ghatge, who capture cobras every year, say they have caught snakes this time too because these processions and worships are part of tradition. “For over 700 years, this village has been practicing this ritual. We worship these snakes. We treat them like children in the house and a day after the festival, they are all released,” maintained K Y Mullah, Member, Gram Panchayat Batis Shirala, Maharashtra. Animal rights activists argue that their objection to the snake melas is because of the inhuman conditions in which the animals are forced to perform to entertain thousands who pour into the village for naagpanchami.
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