Belief in Snake- Nepali Culture cherishing Nature

Kathmandu: Do you believe in snakes? What is Naga…? Many people of the West have first to ask themselves… What do you mean??? Do I believe in snakes? That’s a normal reaction in this time because most of the people in this modern time are very far away from nature …

In ancient times, humans on the planet were more connected with the creatures of nature. And humans used to have a special relationship with snakes. In all the religions, fairy tales, and historical stories, you still can find their secret meanings about snakes.

Director and Writer Kedar Nath Paudel has attempted to reflect on one of the cultural practices relating to the snake in his documentary “Belief in Snakes” (Sarpa ma Biswash)Paudel has presented the significance of snakes in Eastern philosophy.

‘The training and workshops in theatre developed a habit in me of looking at events from several perspectives. This gave birth to my analytical point of view’, Director Paudel said,’ Till the year 2022, I used to think that Nag Panchami comes every July and it is gone after worshipping Nagas(Snake). However, the cultural significance of the worship fascinated me. And I realized the need to show it to the globe in the form of a documentary Belief in Snakes.’

This beautiful Nepalese documentary offers an opportunity for people from other countries to come into contact with one of the many interesting and important rituals within Nepalese culture in a close, tangible way.

In both Hinduism and also in Buddhism, the snake is revered in its many facets in Nepal. Because of its herbal knowledge and entheogenic association, the snake was often considered one of the wisest animals, being (close to the) divine. Its divine aspect combined with its habitat on the earth between the roots of plants made it an animal with toxic properties connected to several transformations.

Additionally, snakes have a vital role in the ecosystem. It has even more significance from a scientific perspective. Research has shown that snake absorbs the poison from the environment and provides a hygienic environment for other creatures to live in. There is a tradition of worshipping snakes on the day of Saub Shukla Panchami in the Hindu community. The documentary reflected the sociological significance of snakes and their worshipping process.

There are twelve dimensions of naga which are worshipped in the year. This ritual of the video belongs to the white naga. The beautiful documentary, in its special intimate natural simplicity, shows us how life in the mountains near Pokhara in Nepal has been preserved in its purity from the old village rituals.

In the beginning, we fly from a large, beautiful overview of nature and we end up in the small intimate world of the elements of darkness and smoke, fire and light, herbs, milk, and sacred cow dung. Then within the ritual, several preparations are taken care of together by the people under the guidance of the priest, down to the smallest details, in a natural way, consciously, and in a daily atmosphere.

After these special preparations, they go outside connecting to the snake in nature worshipping and eating together with all the people. Kedar, his family, and villagers show us the unique age-old customs, which they still maintain in a traditional way to this day.

With full respect and empathy for nature, they keep the tradition alive in an ecological way from ancient knowledge, which is partly understandable from our 5 more earthly senses and also partly from those senses, that are no longer open to most modern people. Very slowly, a new consciousness is emerging in many people, in which a reversal and openness arise through the connection and healing in every person with themselves and their environment, whereby the old rituals can be recognized again.

An understanding that from respect and reverence for all life, there is ultimately no separation, but encounter. This connection, which the video shows us with the ritual of the Nadal or snake, gives humans an opportunity to a way of life to gain more awareness of this forgotten attitude.

The documentary is dedicated to Mother Earth. It aims to build an empathetic and respectful conversation between individuals (or groups) with nature for a better future. “Belief in Snakes” is a reflection of Nepali culture showing gratitude towards nature for its blessing.

Indreni Theater has presented the documentary. Arya Paudel and Shaurya Paudel have produced it. The documentary will be released on 10th November 2023.

(Written by Conny Tiebout, butoh performer/trainer from the Netherlands)