Rituals of Cruelty: Snake Rescues Rise Again in Indore on Nag Panchami
Despite repeated warnings, legal restrictions, and public awareness drives, the illegal captivity and public display of snakes continue unabated during Nag Panchami in Indore. The forest department rescued over 30 snakes this year — a figure that has reignited concerns over the ineffectiveness of current enforcement and public apathy.
Yet, the data paints a troubling pattern. In 2022, 35 snakes were rescued. In 2023, the number stood at 27. While 2024 showed a decline with 17 snakes freed, this year’s figure — crossing 30 again — suggests a reversal and exposes the persistent underground trade and exploitation of wildlife, veiled under the guise of religious tradition.
According to divisional forest officer Pradeep Mishra, three teams were deployed from the Indore Range, Environmental Forestry Division, and Ralamandal Sanctuary. The teams patrolled high-risk areas across the city, intercepting snake charmers—locally known as saperas—who continue to use live snakes to solicit alms despite legal bans.
Many of the rescued snakes were found in alarming conditions: kept in airless containers, starved, dehydrated, and de-fanged. Several had been force-fed milk, a practice widely believed to be part of the ritual, but one that causes extreme harm to the reptiles. Officials confirmed that some of the snakes had injuries consistent with prolonged neglect and abuse.
Divisional forest officer Pradeep Mishra stated that the department would pursue legal action against the offenders under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits the possession, trade, and exhibition of wild animals.
“The return to high numbers is disappointing,” Mishra said. “We saw a dip last year and hoped it marked a turning point. Clearly, enforcement alone is not enough—social change is essential.”
Wildlife experts believe the rise in rescues this year reflects not just the scale of the illegal activity, but also loopholes in community enforcement and cultural resistance to change. While religious sentiments remain deeply rooted, conservationists argue that cruelty must not be sanctified under the pretext of faith.
“This isn’t tradition, it’s torture,” said Shrikant Kalamkar, member of a local wildlife NGO. “Snakes are part of our ecosystem. Using them as objects in festivals harms both the animal and the cultural fabric we claim to protect.”
The forest department has appealed to citizens to report snake-handling incidents via official wildlife helplines and encouraged people to celebrate Nag Panchami through symbolic or educational means rather than live animal use.
As Indore aspires to model itself as a forward-looking, eco-conscious city, the reappearance of this exploitative practice during Nag Panchami reveals the gap between intention and impact. Without sustained public pressure, stronger penalties, and cultural reform, the ritual rescue of snakes will remain an annual reminder of rituals that need rethinking.
Despite repeated warnings, legal restrictions, and public awareness drives, the illegal captivity and public display of snakes continue unabated during Nag Panchami in Indore. The forest department rescued over 30 snakes this year — a figure that has reignited concerns over the ineffectiveness of current enforcement and public apathy.
Yet, the data paints a troubling pattern. In 2022, 35 snakes were rescued. In 2023, the number stood at 27. While 2024 showed a decline with 17 snakes freed, this year’s figure — crossing 30 again — suggests a reversal and exposes the persistent underground trade and exploitation of wildlife, veiled under the guise of religious tradition.
According to divisional forest officer Pradeep Mishra, three teams were deployed from the Indore Range, Environmental Forestry Division, and Ralamandal Sanctuary. The teams patrolled high-risk areas across the city, intercepting snake charmers—locally known as saperas—who continue to use live snakes to solicit alms despite legal bans.
Many of the rescued snakes were found in alarming conditions: kept in airless containers, starved, dehydrated, and de-fanged. Several had been force-fed milk, a practice widely believed to be part of the ritual, but one that causes extreme harm to the reptiles. Officials confirmed that some of the snakes had injuries consistent with prolonged neglect and abuse.
Divisional forest officer Pradeep Mishra stated that the department would pursue legal action against the offenders under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits the possession, trade, and exhibition of wild animals.
“The return to high numbers is disappointing,” Mishra said. “We saw a dip last year and hoped it marked a turning point. Clearly, enforcement alone is not enough—social change is essential.”
Wildlife experts believe the rise in rescues this year reflects not just the scale of the illegal activity, but also loopholes in community enforcement and cultural resistance to change. While religious sentiments remain deeply rooted, conservationists argue that cruelty must not be sanctified under the pretext of faith.
“This isn’t tradition, it’s torture,” said Shrikant Kalamkar, member of a local wildlife NGO. “Snakes are part of our ecosystem. Using them as objects in festivals harms both the animal and the cultural fabric we claim to protect.”
The forest department has appealed to citizens to report snake-handling incidents via official wildlife helplines and encouraged people to celebrate Nag Panchami through symbolic or educational means rather than live animal use.
As Indore aspires to model itself as a forward-looking, eco-conscious city, the reappearance of this exploitative practice during Nag Panchami reveals the gap between intention and impact. Without sustained public pressure, stronger penalties, and cultural reform, the ritual rescue of snakes will remain an annual reminder of rituals that need rethinking.