Animal welfare body urges Hyderabad citizens to stop offering milk to snakes during Naga Panchami

Hyderabad: As the festival of Naga Panchami approaches, an animal welfare body has appealed to citizens of Hyderabad to refrain from offering milk to snakes, a practice that is both dangerous for humans and harmful to the reptiles. The plea comes ahead of the annual observance, which typically sees devotees offering milk to live cobras and other serpents as part of ritual worship.

The organisation, known for its work in animal rescue and rehabilitation, has highlighted that snakes are lactose intolerant and consuming milk can lead to severe digestive issues, illness, or even death. Moreover, the act of pouring milk over a snake can cause stress and provoke defensive behaviour, increasing the risk of bites.

Why the practice is harmful

Veterinary experts point out that snakes, being reptiles, have no need for mammalian milk after birth. Their digestive systems are not designed to process dairy products, and offering milk is not only nutritionally useless but can also be detrimental to their health. The practice often leads to snakes being captured from the wild, kept in cramped conditions, and subjected to stress during the festival.

Animal welfare activists have repeatedly noted that snakes are often handled by unlicensed performers who force them into public displays. These snakes, already in a state of distress, are further traumatised by the crowds and the ritual itself.

Past incidents and injuries

In previous years, several instances of snake bites have been reported during Naga Panchami, with victims requiring hospitalisation. The welfare body has reminded citizens that most snake species found in urban areas are non-venomous, but a bite from a venomous snake like the Indian cobra can be fatal if not treated promptly.

The organisation has also urged people not to purchase snakes from vendors who bring them to residential areas during the festival. Such trade is illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as snakes are protected species.

A safer way to honour the tradition

Instead of offering milk, the body suggests alternatives such as offering milk to statues or images of snakes, or performing prayers at temples. Devotees can also observe the festival by feeding birds or other animals, which aligns with the spirit of compassion that the festival symbolises.

They further recommend that if a snake is spotted in a residential area, citizens should contact the forest department or local animal rescue groups rather than attempting to handle it themselves.

Public response and next steps

The appeal has received mixed reactions, with some traditionalists defending the practice as an age-old custom. However, the welfare body remains firm in its stance, emphasising that animal welfare and public safety should take precedence.

The Hyderabad police and forest department are expected to issue advisories ahead of the festival, and awareness campaigns are likely to be conducted in areas where the practice is prevalent.

As Naga Panchami draws near, the focus will be on how citizens balance faith with compassion, and whether the appeal leads to a tangible change in behaviour this year.