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In the village of Lasudia Parihar in Madhya Pradesh, a unique post-Diwali tradition continues to draw people even today. Known as the “Snake Court,” this ritual is over 100 years old, and locals believe that the serpent god himself enters the human body to reveal why someone was bitten by a snake. Held on the second day of Diwali, the ceremony takes place at a Hanuman temple, about 15 kilometers from Sehore district headquarters. Devotees travel from far and wide to witness the ritual and seek the blessings of the snake deity, hoping for protection and healing. Music Summons the Serpent As the temple echoes with dholak, taal or manjira, and matki (clay pot), along with special tunes called “Kandi” and “Bharani,” it is believed the serpent god’s spirit awakens. Victims of snakebites sometimes become possessed by the spirit, raising their hood and showing the reason for the bite. Common causes revealed include destruction of the snake’s home, being run over by a tractor, or being killed unjustly. As quoted by NDTV India, a local Mannu Giri Maharaj said, “Depending on how many people arrive seeking help, the rituals involving the snake spirits continue late into the night. This year, since there are two Padwas (Ugadi and Gudi Padwa), an even larger crowd is expected to visit the temple the following day as well.” मध्यप्रदेश के सीहोर में दिवाली के दूसरे दिन हनुमानजी की मडिया में यह अनोखी अदालत लगती है। कांडी और भरनी की धुनों पर सर्पों को बुलाया जाता है। जैसे ही संगीत गूंजता है, पीड़ितों में से कुछ लोग नाग की तरह लहराने लगते हैं और बताया जाता है कि उस वक्त उनमें नागदेवता की आत्मा प्रवेश… pic.twitter.com/RZ6midWE0e — NDTV MP Chhattisgarh (@NDTVMPCG) October 22, 2025 A Tradition Through Generations Mannu Giri Maharaj further explained that his family has observed this practice for three generations. After questioning the snake’s spirit, the priest reportedly frees the person using chants. A crucial part of the ritual is obtaining a promise from the deity that the person will not be bitten again. In case of a snakebite, the priest orders that a bandage be applied immediately, and the victim should be brought straight to the temple without giving water. Using special mantras called “Bharani,” inspired by Guru Mangaldas Maharaj, the priest reportedly removes the bandage, which is said to neutralise the venom and heal the victim. Faith or Superstition Another local, Shyam Singh, reportedly explained that this tradition began many years ago with Saint Mangaldas Maharaj from Chinnota. He gave the villagers the “Guru Mantra” and taught them this special ritual, which they still follow with deep faith. People believe that, through his blessings, the spirit of the snake god visits the temple every year. Another villager, Devendra Tyagi, reportedly said, “Anyone who comes here after a snakebite leaves healed with the priest’s blessings and the Bharani mantra. With the sound of Kandi and Bharani, the priest also makes the spirit promise not to bite the person again.”
