The festival of Nag Panchami celebrated in Sawan is dedicated to the serpent god and Lord Shiva.Image Credit source: AI Generated
There is an old connection between Saavan and snakes, but the question is whether most snakes actually come out in this month and is it connected to Nag Panchami? As soon as the month of Sawan starts, snakes become more visible in this season. From farms to urban areas, videos and pictures of snakes suddenly increase on social media. The festival of Nag Panchami celebrated in Sawan is dedicated to the serpent god and Lord Shiva. Know why snakes come out more in monsoon and is there religious belief or science behind it?
Most of the time, snakes stay hidden in underground holes, cracks or among grass. There is usually heavy rain in the month of Sawan, due to which the underground holes get filled with water. In such a situation, snakes are forced to come out of the hole. This is the reason why snakes are seen more in fields, roads and around houses during and immediately after rain. That is, the reason behind this is not the monsoon but the effect of change in weather, which is visible in the form of rain.
Temperature and humidity also affect
Snakes are cold blooded creatures, that is, their body temperature keeps changing according to the external environment. During the summer season, when the temperature is very high, snakes spend most of their time hiding, because they are at risk of dehydration. But during the rainy season, the temperature becomes relatively cold and humidity is high, which creates a favorable environment for the activity of snakes. This is the reason why snakes appear more active during Sawan.
During the monsoon season, the risk of presence of snakes in fields and bushes is higher. Photo. pexels
Search for food is also a reason
During the monsoon season, the number of small creatures like frogs, rats, insects increases rapidly, because rain water creates favorable conditions for their reproduction. The main food of snakes are these small creatures. Where food is more available, snakes also move actively in the same direction. In this way, availability of food during the rainy season also becomes a major reason for snakes coming out.
Snake worship has special significance in Saavan. Photo. pexels
Breeding season is also a reason
According to many experts, monsoon time is also considered the breeding season for some species of snakes. During this time, snakes roam more in search of mates, due to which the incidence of their sighting also increases.
There is a tradition of feeding milk to snakes in Sawan. Photo: AI Generated
religious reasons
In the month of Sawan, when the number of snakes naturally increases, then the festival of Nag Panchami is also celebrated. On this day, there is a tradition of worshiping the snake god and offering milk to him. It is believed that this puja frees the family from the fear of snakebite and happiness and prosperity remain in the house. There is also a reason which strengthens the illusion of snakes coming out.
If you see a snake, instead of catching it, contact the rescue team. Photo. Pexels
According to wildlife experts, the coming out of snakes in Sawan is a completely natural and seasonal behavior, which is directly related to rain, moisture and food. Religious faith has its place, but in this season it is equally important to take precautions related to snakes like maintaining cleanliness around the house, keeping holes and cracks closed, and if you see a snake, inform the forest department or snake rescue team instead of trying to catch it yourself.
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