Goa is not just land of beaches but also of snake worshippers

Kimberly Colaco

COBRA WORSHIP

This year Nag Panchami will be held on August 9. It is a Hindu festival in which Cobra, or locally called Nag, is worshipped by Goans.

Goa | Goan | Nag Panchami| artisans |Clay idols| Cobra | Photo:

PEST CONTROL

Traditionally, Goan farmers relied on snakes as natural pest control to protect their crops from rodents.

Goa | Goan | Nag Panchami| artisans |Clay idols| Cobra | Photo: KD

SIGN OF GRATITUDE

The tradition of Nag Panchami evolved as a way of gratitude to the snakes.

Goa | Goan | Nag Panchami| artisans |Clay idols| Cobra | Photo: KD

HOMAGE TO ANTHILL

Goan married women engage in the tradition of paying homage to anthills.

Goa | Goan | Nag Panchami| artisans |Clay idols| Cobra | Photo: KD

CLAY IDOLS

Meet Ganesh Shet, who makes over 350-400 snake idols at Kumbar Waddo in Mayem. After Nag Panchami celebrations, they get busy with Ganesh Chaturthi preparations.

Goa | Goan | Nag Panchami| artisans |Clay idols| Cobra | Photo: KD

FAMILY MATTERS

Ganesh is helped and assisted by his family and son, who help in mixing the clay and even painting them.

Goa | Goan | Nag Panchami| artisans |Clay idols| Cobra | Photo: KD

IDOLS FROM GOA

The sizes of these idols are 1.5-2 feet, and are sold at around Rs 500 per idol. The clay used is sourced from Bicholim.

Goa | Goan | Nag Panchami| artisans |Clay idols| Cobra | Photo: KD

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