Bihar's Singhiya Ghat came alive this Nag Panchami with a fair that is as daring as it is deeply spiritual. In the small town of Vibhutipur, in the Samastipur district, a centuries-old tradition took centre stage as people gathered not just to worship but to wear, play with and even hold live snakes.
Mithila’s century-old snake fair returns
On the banks of the Budhi Gandak river, thousands of devotees participate in the region's famous snake fair, a spectacle known across Mithila. In the now-viral video, everyone can be seen walking with snakes wrapped around their necks, like garlands, chanting prayers to the goddess Vishhari, the deity associated with protection from snakebites and venom.
Check out the videos below:
Snake stunts and spiritual feats
According to media reports, the celebration begins with prayers at the Maa Bhagwati Temple in Singhia Bazaar before devotees proceed to Singhiya Ghat for the rituals. One of the most astonishing sights is devotees holding snakes in their mouths in a test of fearlessness and faith.
As part of the ritual, many enter the river with snakes in hand and chant the goddess’s name. After the ceremonial bathing and prayers, the reptiles are respectfully released back into the wild.
Festival rooted in Mithila’s heritage
Locals proudly say this is not just a festival; it's a legacy. The Nag Panchami fair at Singhiya Ghat has reportedly been held for over a hundred years. According to tradition, Vishhari Mata is believed to fulfil the wishes of those who come with pure devotion, especially childless women, who pray for progeny.
The fair isn't limited to Samastipur either; devotees reportedly travel from nearby districts like Khagaria, Saharsa, Begusarai, and Muzaffarpur just to be part of this spiritual celebration.
