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Jhampanias, or snake charmers, gather in the city of Vishnupur, West Bengal State, India, every August for one of the region’s most notable annual festivals. Accompanying them, of course, are snakes of all kinds of local varieties, especially dangerous cobras. Jhampanias train their snakes to perform tricks with them, which attendees can observe to their hearts’ content. The patron goddess of snakes is Manasa, a daughter of Shiva, and the festival attracts many who follow her cult. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary