Administrator
17 July 2025
A day after the National Zoological Park was observed World Snake Day on Wednesday,snake charmers were roaming around Shiva temples in Jharkhand.
“We are celebrating holy month of Shravan when Kanwarias (devotee of God Shiva) visit Shiva temples and pour holy water over the Shivlinga. This makes us show case Bhagwan Shiv who has Vasuki snake wrapped around his neck.Since this symbolises His greatness,we gain lollies”( money), said Sudhir Manghi, a snake charmer,echoing sentiments of his scores of colleagues in Dhanbad.
However, they were ignorant of the World Snake Day that was organised in New Delhi as a comprehensive public awareness programme aimed at educating visitors about the ecological significance of snakes.
The event witnessed the participation of over 100 visitors, including students, families, and wildlife enthusiasts. The programme featured interactive sessions focused on introducing participants to the diversity of snake species found across the globe, with a special emphasis on venomous snakes native to India.
A central component of the initiative was the dispelling of common myths and misconceptions associated with snakes. Through informative discussions, visitors were made aware of the crucial role snakes play in maintaining ecological balance—particularly in agricultural ecosystems, where they help control rodent populations and thereby contribute to crop protection and food security.
Besides, the programme provided practical knowledge on how to respond in the event of a snakebite emergency, including the importance of timely medical intervention and avoiding traditional but ineffective remedies.
Visitors also had the opportunity to interact with the zoo’s snake enclosure staff in the national capital, who offered insights into the daily care and management of snakes in captivity.
Topics such as feeding habits, hibernation patterns, and breeding cycles were covered in detail, helping demystify the nature and behavior of these often-misunderstood reptiles.
The awareness programme forms part of the National Zoological Park’s continued efforts to promote wildlife conservation through education and public engagement.
By fostering greater understanding and appreciation for snakes, the initiative aims to reduce irrational fear and encourage coexistence with these vital members of the ecosystem.The state Zoological parks in Jharkhand should work to involve snake charmers to promote the cause of snakes in the natural set up in the state.
