Cobra Spotted In Howrah, Activist Calls It Good For Environment

The Bengalis are well aware of Manasamangal Kavya which chronicles the establishment of the snake-goddess Manasa’s worship in Bengal. Kalnagini snake that killed all the sons of Chandradhar as per the Manasamangal Kavya is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in West Bengal. Now, as per reports, the Kalnagini snake was recently spotted in Howrah, West Bengal. The snake was rescued and given a safe shelter from the Kalnagini snake also called Cobra.

The Cobra was spotted in the Baniban village in Uluberia of Howrah district. There have been rare instances of Cobra appearance in Howrah district. It counts as one of those. Snakes like Pytas Mucosa, Common Krait and Russell’s Viper are some of the common snakes which are found in the outskirts of the Howrah district.

In this context, environmental activist Chitrakar Pramanik said that Cobra has not been seen in the Howrah district before. “Maybe it got to this place somehow. But it’s good for the environment anyway” added Chitrakar Pramanik. It is considered good for the environment because it feeds on other snakes to maintain balance. Cobra has now been rescued from the area and left in a safe place.

However, a snake expert named Subhendu Gangopadhyay quashed the rumour of Cobra’s appearance in Howrah. Subhendu Gangopadhyay said that there is no record of getting this snake in the Howrah district. “This snake has no venom. Even if this snake bites people several times, people do not die. This snake is seen in some places of Baruipur and Hooghly in neighbouring 24 Parganas of Howrah district.” added Subhendu Gangopadhyay.

The danger of Cobra is quite infamous in West Bengal due to its predator abilities and Manasamangal Kavya mention. Manasamangal commences with the merchant Chandradhar, or Chand Sadagar, who initially conflicts with Manasa (Goddess) but eventually becomes a devout worshipper. Angered by her rejection from Chandradhar to worship her, she sends Cobra to kill all his ships and the lives of his sons. After this, his youngest daughter-in-law pleaded with him to worship Manasa to revive back her husband and all the lives of deceased family members.