These are from an event called Nagmandala, a ritual followed in the Mangalore state Karnataka. Nagmandala is a colorful event done to appease the snake god Cobra. It's done basically by brahmins. Maybe Snakes are considered as guardians and protect the fields from rodents. The event has a stage which is beautifully decorated by all sides by flowers. In the center is a big 5 colored rangoli depicting the Snake god Cobra. The event is attended by thousands of people sitting for 3 hrs at a stretch. All facilities with food throughout the day for the attendees are arranged by the village and the organizers mainly the temple.
It starts with a procession leading to the stage after praying at Snake temple called as NAGABANA.
Here the ritual with dance starts with priests depicting a male and female serpents. A person depicting the female serpent is called Nagakannika and the male partner called as Navaratri. Female partner dances round the male partner in serpent design and they both take clockwise and later anti-clockwise pradakshina of the Rangoli on the holy stage. A person depicting the female serpent is beautifully dressed and uses a damru while two more people with Naganartaka half male and female dress accompany and sing songs related to the event in Kannada . The main priest depicting the male serpent inhales Betel palm flowers all through the dance.
@jaishruti1967... That's a wonderful piece of information. Can you create a blog post on that? That will be wonderful.
Thanks Mr. Deviprasad for the detailed article. In Kerala too we have one of the famous temples Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple(Malayalam:മണണാറശ്ശാല ശ്രീ നാഗരാജാക്ഷേത്രം) inHaripadis a very ancient and internationally known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods (Nagaraja). The famousNagarajatemple "Mannarasala" inHaripadis nestled in a forest glade, like most snake temples. The Mannarasala Temple has over 1,00,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees, and is the largest such temple inKerala. Women seeking fertility come to worship here, and upon the birth of their child come to hold thanksgiving ceremonies here, often bringing new snake images as offerings. A special turmeric paste which is available at the temple is credited with curative powers.
Deviprasad nice article and good frames