The snakes, considered by the locals as incarnations of the Hindu snake goddess Manasa, swayed to the rhythm and motion of their handlers as the villagers drew closer.
Every year, people from the area gather in the green village some 85 kilometres (52 miles) from the state capital Kolkata, to honour and pray to Manasa.
The goddess is believed to bring good luck ahead of the harvest season and also ward off troubles in this mainly agricultural belt.
Mal, a father of six, appears at ease as he handles a long golden-brown cobra while urging the crowd gathered around to donate freely.
“Business has gone down for us. People want to take blessings from the snakes but are stingy when it comes to paying up,”he complained.
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