Nag Panchami And Reflections About Snakes

Nag Panchami is a Hindu festival observed annually in Nepal on the fifth day of Shrawan Shukla Paksha, according to the lunar calendar. This year, it falls on Tuesday, 29th July. The festival is dedicated to the worship of snakes, who are revered in Hindu mythology and hold a special place alongside deities like Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. On this day, people offer prayers to snakes, seeking fertility—for both land and humans—as well as protection from snakebites. The underlying message is that humans and snakes can coexist as friends, and that their role in maintaining ecological balance should be respected.

Nepal, with its rich tradition of nature worship, celebrates various festivals that emphasise environmental harmony. Nag Panchami is one such festival that symbolically reinforces the connection between humans and nature. However, as global warming accelerates, climate change is increasingly affecting not just the environment but also the behaviour and habitats of animals—including snakes. As we observe Nag Panchami, it is crucial to reflect on how global warming is impacting snake populations both in Nepal and globally.

Risk of snakebites

Recent reports suggest a noticeable rise in the number of venomous snakes within the Kathmandu Valley. Incidents of snakebites—and resulting fatalities—have also increased. According to The Lancet, climate change is expected to significantly alter the distribution of venomous snake species by 2070. Their research indicates a substantial loss of suitable habitats for many snake species. 

Countries like Niger, Namibia, China, Nepal, and Myanmar are predicted to become new habitats for venomous snakes migrating from neighbouring regions. The study further warns that this shift—when combined with socioeconomic vulnerabilities such as low income and high rural populations—could increase the risk of snakebites, especially in parts of Southeast Asia and Africa. These developments carry serious public health implications.

Government data confirms that Nepal’s hilly regions—once considered too cool and rugged for venomous snakes—are now becoming home to species previously confined to the Tarai and southern border areas. Health experts and scientists in Nepal warn that climate change is driving an unexpected migration of poisonous snakes into higher altitudes. This shift raises significant concerns for public health and underscores the urgent need for medical preparedness in regions previously considered low-risk.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, clinical records show the presence of the Tarai-origin snake species in the hills. This ecological transformation is attributed directly to global warming. Species like kraits, cobras, and the highly venomous Russell’s viper are now being detected in areas once considered snake-free. Health workers in Dhading, Nuwakot, and Makwanpur districts have reported treating cases that were earlier seen only in the southern plains.

Medical experts from Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku have confirmed that cobras have not only been spotted in Lalitpur and Kathmandu, but they also appear to be adapting to the local environment. A particularly notable case involved the King Cobra, which was found to have laid eggs in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area—spanning Dolakha, Ramechhap, and Sindhupalchok districts—at elevations reaching up to 7,181 metres. 

While the Tarai region still accounts for the majority of snakebite incidents in Nepal, the number of cases in the hills is rising. Unfortunately, hill communities are often less aware of the dangers and unprepared to handle snakebite emergencies. This lack of awareness, combined with insufficient health infrastructure, heightens the risk of fatalities.

According to the World Health Organisation, snakebites cause approximately 3,000 deaths in Nepal each year, with over 37,000 bites reported annually. However, government records from last year listed only 150 deaths. This discrepancy suggests a lack of proper data collection and possibly delayed or ineffective medical response in many cases.

Between January and mid-July 2025, Teku Hospital alone treated 378 snakebite cases—many originating from hilly districts. During the monsoon, incidents surge, sometimes reaching as many as 25 cases per day. Although Teku has not reported any deaths this year so far, the growing frequency of snakebite cases in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding hill districts poses a growing public health concern.

Public awareness

More troubling is the limited public awareness. Many people living in the hills are unfamiliar with snake-related risks and may not realise that venomous snakes could be nesting inside homes, in gardens, or in nearby fields. In these areas, snakebite treatment facilities are few and far between. Currently, only 106 health centres across Nepal are equipped to handle snakebites—but access in the hills remains extremely limited.

Nepal is home to 89 species of snakes, 17 of which are venomous. As snakes continue to migrate to higher altitudes due to rising temperatures, it is imperative for the government to launch strategic awareness campaigns, especially in hill and mountain regions. These efforts must include training for local health workers, public information drives, and the expansion of antivenom stocks in regional health centres.

Rather than promoting the killing of snakes, the focus should be on equipping communities with the knowledge and resources needed to stay safe. Antivenom availability, early warning systems, and habitat-safe practices can all help reduce fatalities. Festivals like Nag Panchami offer a valuable opportunity to teach younger generations the importance of biodiversity and the interdependence of all living beings.

(Namrata Sharma is a senior journalist and women’s rights advocate. She can be reached at namrata1964@yahoo.com or on X @NamrataSharmaP.)