A rare 300-year-old tradition observed during Nag Panchami in Bihar's Navtol village has once again drawn widespread attention. Located in the Mansurchak block of Begusarai district, the village witnesses an extraordinary procession in which devotees enter the Balan River, catch venomous snakes, drape them around their necks and shoulders, and march to the Bhagwati Temple while dancing to the beats of traditional drums.
The unique ritual attracts hundreds of visitors every year, who gather to witness the remarkable and daring celebration.
According to local belief, the tradition was started nearly 300 years ago by a devotee of Goddess Bhagwati named Roubi Das. Since then, his descendants and the villagers have continued the ritual with great devotion, earning Navtol the nickname "Village of Snakes."
While devotees across India usually worship snakes by offering milk during Nag Panchami, Navtol's snake procession makes it one of the country's most unusual religious traditions.
Villagers also associate the festival with environmental awareness, saying snakes play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. They believe the ritual symbolizes harmony with nature and reflects the sacred place of serpents in Sanatana Dharma, where snakes are closely associated with deities such as Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Another distinctive feature is that the festival in this region follows the Mithila Panchang, resulting in Nag Panchami being celebrated on a different date from many other parts of India.
