Jhapan Mela 2019 Date: Significance And Celebrations Related to the Snake Festival in West Bengal

Jhapan Mela is a famous religious festival celebrated to worship snakes in West Bengal. The day is dedicated to the Mansha Devi, the goddess of snakes. The festival falls during the Hindu month of Shravan, which falls during the month of July or August in the Gregorian calendar. Jhapan Mela 2019 will be celebrated on August 17. It is one of the most important snake festivals of West Bengal. It is majorly observed by the tribals in Bishnupur village of Bankura district, located 130 kilometres from Kolkata. On the day of the festival, Bishnupur witnesses a lot of crowds as people come out in large numbers to offer prayers and worship snakes at temples. Rare Cobra With Shining Red Hood Spotted at Chikmagalur Farmland in Karnataka, Watch Video.

Women observe fast and offer milk to serpents in the temples. Fishermen bathe snakes at a nearby river and take out a procession of Manasa Devi deity. They chant mantras and prayers as Manasa is held in high regards who can cure a person of diseases like smallpox and chickenpox. People also pray to the Goddess for fertility and opulence. Jhapan Mela is a harvest festival for the agrarian community which is believed to have originated in the 17th century. It also has various mythological stories attached to it. Jhapan Mela is often compared to Nag Panchami wherein snakes are worshipped in many parts of India.

Goddess Mansha is said to be the daughter of Lord Shiva and is worshipped in North and East India. People offer prayers to her as she can bless them with fertility and prosperity. During Jhapan Mela, local fairs, shows by snake charmers and stage shows are held. The festival attracts thousands of devotees and admirers every year during the festival.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2019 02:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).