In the heart of India, a peculiar festival takes place in Jharkhand, where the fear of venomous snakes is replaced with a display of devotion. The people of Bundu, near Ranchi, have been following this unique tradition for centuries to honor Maa Mansa Devi, the snake goddess. The festival is a spectacle of human interaction with venomous snakes, where villagers embrace these reptiles, wrapping them around their necks and incorporating them into their rituals.
This three-day festival is unlike typical religious events. It involves villagers seeking out the snakes and caring for them. They believe they are protected from the snakes’ venom due to their devotion to the goddess. The festival showcases the community’s strong faith and distinctive practices.