The King Cobra ( Scientific name Ophipohagus Hannah) is highly revered in India .Celebrated in myths and legends they are worshipped on the day of Nag Panchmi.
Native to the Indian Sub Continent and South East Asia it is the largest venomous snake on Planet Earth.
These colourful snake charmers were spotted at the Camel Fair in Pushkar. Keep an eye on the gentleman without the turban. Watch the bag across his shoulder. Do observe the King has his eye on him as well.
The Kind Cobra has wonderful eyesight and smelling capabilities. It is also equipped with a deadly venom, a neurotoxin which attacks the Central Nervous System.
Watch the man without a turban now adorns a bandanna and has set his bag on the sandy soil. The King has honed onto him and is all attention.
The King Cobra is unique as it is the only snake that makes a nest for its eggs.
Myth and legend surround the King and it is said they have a remarkable memory as well.
The basket is now opened and the King Cobra has a companion.
The King Cobra rears upto a third of its length and can grow to a length of 18 feet or 5.5 metres.
The camels do not seem to be concerned with the presence of these snakes in their midst.
As the habitat of the King Cobra shrinks their numbers in the wild are declining. They are known to have a lifespan of about 20 years.
As per The Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 the actions of the Snake charmers in holding the King Cobra captive are illegal.
It is also cruel as they defang them and keep them for hours in a basket in hot and dry conditions.
Trust you were spellbound by the enchanting King Cobras in Pushkar.
Saw a similar scene Amer fort. I wish they wouldn’t use them like this .
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes they usually position themselves where tourists come. Most put money as a religious gesture. If we do not give them money, the practice will die out too.( I hope)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree .
LikeLike
Superb & educative
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to see you on wordpress. thanks for the compliments.
LikeLike
I had no idea they lived that long, nor their population declining. 18 feet…… that’s a creature I’d rather not do a ‘meet and greet.’ Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for your comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like snakes. It would be good to see this custom die, for the snakes benefit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes legally they cannot keep snakes in captivity.
LikeLike
Amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful and colourful photographs, this is amazing activite, Thank you dear Mukul, love, nia
LikeLiked by 1 person
happy you liked it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on LARRA_ and commented:
Despite the sucky reality of how the snakes are being treated, there’s a part of my heart that was warmed up because, to me, it’s beautiful art. ❤ ❤ ❤
I’ve never been to India, but I’ve always been interested in world cultures and traditions. I looked it up and it’s apparently a pretty significant part of history. It would be sad to see it die out. Plus, it’s the livelihood of many people (I’m guessing from the lower end of the socio-economic scale, some of which may not know nor desire any other way to live) who might enjoy doing it and have passed down this beautiful tradition from generation to generation. I’m sure it has made a lot of people happy and are fascinated by it (as it did me when I watched appropriations of it via Disney and other Western production companies…actually, it still makes me happy :P)
I grew up with such “past times” (there’s a lot of Filipino versions of esoteric entertainment) and there’s a huge part of me that links this to those experiences as a child.
Like magicians do, snake charmers also have their secret (or a “cheat”)…unfortunately, in this case, it involves some animal cruelty.
I wish the government and these people can work together to come up with an alternative to defanging and maybe try and make sure that the snakes get good treatment when they get home. It would be good initiative for the snake charmers to put them in well ventilated baskets too.
The snakes, who are deprived of their freedom, help them pay the bills and therefore, I feel that it would be fair to at least have their well-being looked after as well.
Like, can’t they just stick a biodegradable styrofoam-like packing peanut on their fangs or something? That will block out the venom from coming out, plus it pads the sharpness of the fangs, so it’ll just be pressure, not puncture, if they bite.
I don’t know if that’s actually a feasible and logical suggestion, but I thought I should just throw it out there, you know. Brainstorming and shit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am delighted to read your comments and opinion. I have heard this argument many a time about livelihood etc., however we need to be realistic. There are far better ways of making a living. The Govt even provides some loans of upto USD 20 now . There also Skill development programmes. Their skills are used in a positive way. Harming these creatures who cannot speak cannot be defended on grounds of the livelihood of the two legged.
LikeLiked by 4 people
That’s a good point. I still think this snake charming deal is pretty cool though.
Opinion wise, I’m for finding a solution in being able to do this without harming the snakes. I don’t know if that’s actually a possibility, but I can at least hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I was a kid ( some 40 years ago) we watched sloth bears dance to drums . Now that is banned as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If nothing can be done for the well-being of the snakes at all (like if they have to suffer as much as they do and packing peanuts can’t be used to pad the fangs), then I am (as much as it saddens me) would be for banning it.
Torture and mutilation is a pretty fucked up price to pay for a relationship that only benefits one party.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will have to dig a bit deeper to answer your queries. Thank you for expressing your angst and opinions.
LikeLike
No probs…I didn’t realize I had angst? Lols. Peace ✌
LikeLiked by 1 person
angst for the snakes
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d say its more of “concern” than “angst.” While I agree with your cause, it’s not something that directly resonates with mine. Thanks for sharing though. Its always good to be aware.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I stand corrected Lady, Concern replaces Angst.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah when you said angst all I could think of was the band, “Silverchair” with their angry songs lol. Anyway this has gone completely off topic. Signing out now for reals ✌
LikeLiked by 1 person
was happy to interact . have a great Sunday
LikeLike
I actually edited my repost. I don’t think it gets edited on your end with the comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for re blogging.
LikeLike
I saw the dancing bears, too, on one trip to India just over 25 years ago. I’m so glad that is banned. Does it still happen at all?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not to my knowledge. Have not seen dancing bears for over a decade if not more. I did however go to Bear rescue centre a month ago.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Are you going to post on that? I’m sure it would be most interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will, though pics are not good as they prohibit photography.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing pictures ✨✨✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is very interesting! I did not know the snake charmers defang the cobras. I always thought they were crazy playing around with such deadly creatures.
Thanks so much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The King Cobra injects the poison through two teeth which act like hypodermic needles. Without the teeth it cannot penetrate the human skin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I respect snakes, they are a great asset to our natural areas. It is sad to see them being exploited in this manner.
Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. Fortunately such practices are illegal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Midwestern – down at the nearest National Park here in Botany Nay Sydney Australia there is still a snake pit that is used on a Sunday for snake Dancing and display, Australian Pythons and Carpet snakes some Tiger snakes and Browns but nothing commercial and nothing illegal. An old friend of mine who died a couple of years ago began her stage career as a snake dancer but I don’t know which variety of snake as in did the fangs have to be removed or nay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Snake dancer, that is Interesting.
LikeLike
Beautiful, colorful pictures but seeing the king cobra so close and personal, I remain terrified of snakes:-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
was not so close. am sure the poor snake was more terrified.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have heard of mystics in the forests of India, that charm the snakes and they don’t cage them. They meditate and the snakes come around on their own, drawn by the mystical music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am yet to experience such a phenomenon. There are so many tales and myths.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting! Thank you for sharing about this unethical practice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
welcome.thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I’m sure there are always exceptions to the rule, where the snakes are not exploited or harmed. I’m sure the dance was in celebration of the snake.
Anything that I would do in the presence of a snake may be misconstrued as dancing. .. however it’s just me trying to get away! Ha ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
has ha, good one
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting and informative, thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comments.
LikeLike
fantastic shots Mukul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, though i would not like to live my life. in a basket.
LikeLike
Very interesting..!!! Very beautiful pictures..!!! : o )
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome my friend..!!! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting post, I am a fan of snakes and have bred them.during many years (no poisonous one’s though).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy you liked the post.Very Interesting comment that you you bred snakes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mukul for an informative note , interestingly told . Thanks also for liking my post on ” How adequate is adequate ” . All the very best !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked the post, thank you for checking in.
LikeLike
Dear Mukul, your article is informative and entertaining. There’s also another name for the King Cobra Hamadryad . Curiously this name is given to a nymph also. Yes, the Serpent is rich in folk lore and religions though Semitic religions connote it with the Devil ( Eve being lured by the Serpent) There’s a snake temple in Kerala where priestly duties are carried out by a prophetess. Anand Bose from Kerala
LikeLiked by 2 people
Was wonderful to read your informative comment. Am glad you like the blog. Yes The King Cobra is worshiped in India by Hindus and adorns the neck of Lord Shiva himself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing..and fascinating. I am going to India in April. I will look for snake charmers, but keep my distance. Thanks for liking talesandtravel.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by. Welcome to India. Need any help in fine tuning your plans I would be happy to assist.
LikeLike
I suppose that he proliferation of smartphones will eventually eliminate such entertainments. Noting that the two snakes appear to be supporting three individuals or more, a question arises re how they will earn a living when the snakes are no longer a business …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your views, I love reading them as it makes writing and sharing the contents worthwhile.
The community of snake charmers are extremely skilled with reptiles and are increasingly being inducted by the Forest Department . Snakes are required for their venom and these Snake Charmers know the minds of poachers.
LikeLike
As per the law in India it is illegal to keep snakes captive.
LikeLike
Great post! I think snakes are very fascinating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am glad you liked the post, thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I served in Vietnam in 1966, we shared a rice paddy with a king cobra. We were in the water up to our chins and the king cobra was in that same water too but we lost sight of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
sounds tricky
LikeLike
It was dusk and we had to stay out of sight in that rice paddy until dark. We saw the cobra moving parallel to our column and its hood was open and then it slowly lowered itself into the water and out of our sight. Most of our bodies were underwater and I know that my legs tingled with venomous anticipation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky escape.I never know they could swim.
LikeLike
That was the day I learned they could swim on water.
The King Cobra can slither on land, climb on trees, and swim on water; it often lives near water. It has a life span of about 20 years. The Hood: When the King Cobra is threatened or on the attack, it will hiss, rear up, and flatten its neck ribs into a hood.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/snakes/Kingcobra.shtml
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the link. It has obviously left a distinctive mark on your mind as Vietnam was nearly 50 years ago.
LikeLike
I have more than one distinct memory that haunts me from that tour in Vietnam. The cobra incident was one of them but not the worst one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please do blog on your experiences
LikeLike
I have. I have four blogs and one focuses on combat, the military and PTSD. The Soulful Veteran has the least number of posts. Every once in a while I add a new one.
http://thesoulfulveteran.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for the link. will definitely read it.
LikeLike
Your welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
just curious.. is it a king cobra? from the picture, it seems like the regular cobra, Naja naja..! Like you have mentioned, that King Cobra is a much longer, around 15′ and the body is way thicker…! The little i do know, i doubt if such a snake would fit in the basket this snake seems so comfortable in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am not certain , nor am an expert on reptiles.
LikeLike
oh okay!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting! I didn’t know that the cobras were defanged.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will b visiting Pushkar soon:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely. Need any tips, where to stay etc??
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have done with our hotel bookings. I would like to know are there any other interesting tourist so spots in Ajmer other than dargah. Do you also know anything about nathdwara temple I’m udaipur. How far is it from city?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do visit the lesser known Golden Temple in Ajmer. A beautiful Jain temple in Red Stone. A gorgeous mythological world in Pure Gold can be seen inside the premises. Nathdwara is famous for the Krishna Temple located about 45 kms from Udaipur and is about a 45 min to an hours drive by road. Devigarh is an allsuite Heritage Hotel near Nathdwara.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Mukul. This info is helpful. Will get in touch if I need any other information.. I didn’t read about the red stone Golden temple of Ajmer anywhere on the net. Tnx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is very near the railway station. will check on the Net and send a link. It is a very large temple of a faith called Jainism ( relatively unknown beyond India)
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be helpful. Please do. Tnx once again
LikeLiked by 1 person
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajmer_Jain_Temple. Not the best, but would give you can idea of whether you wish to go or not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will go thru the link. Tnx. I write another blog ‘My Pilgrimage’ so interested in visiting many temples.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rajasthan has many temples . As you are going to Udaipur the city and neighbourhood has numerous temples from 6th century to recent times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I am going to Udaipur too. We will Def visit Nathdwara. I am just checking Web for ancient temples. I like to visit very old and popular ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let me know. There are some fanatstic sights in and around Udaipur. The Amba Temple at Jagat near Jaisamand is one relatively unknown and the precursor to the Khajuraho temples.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will visit Mt Abu, Udaipur, jaisalmer Ajmer, Pushkar
LikeLiked by 1 person
All are wonderful places. The temples are great in all.
LikeLike
Fascinating! but sad story for the snakes. Here in Chile the snakes are small, rare, and pretty harmless unless you are a mouse ! 🙂 Here is a link to the post I wrote recently on snakes in Chile if you’d like to check it out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been to Chile many years ago. Falabella was a customer of mine for textiles. Thanks for your comments. Will check out the link.
LikeLike
Thanks for linking up.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Just an Everyday Housewife… and commented:
Fascinating Blog and some brilliant photography… love the colours
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your compliments and reblogging this post
LikeLiked by 1 person
This has been the most enlightening and informative presentation on the practise of Snake Charming. I do not think I will take it up as a hobby.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Am glad it had a desirable effect.
LikeLike
If you are tempted to give it a try, defang the snakes first. :o)
LikeLiked by 1 person
i leave them alone.
LikeLike
That is probably the best choice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lloyd…not for me. just an insight into life and culture in India.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your comments
I enjoy visiting your site – fantastic photographs
LikeLiked by 1 person
welcome and thank you for the compliments. glad you enjoy them.
LikeLike
Beautiful post, Mukul ji. Looking forward.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person