The traditional rural Bengal game of jhapan was held at Jhaudia Bil Para in Jhaudia union of Kushtia Sadar upazila. Thousands of spectators crowded to the event, held after a long gap of a dozen years. From morning to afternoon snake charmers put on a striking display with venomous snakes.

To the rhythm of the been, flute and drums, venomous cobras and other snakes emerged from wooden boxes and earthen pots. The snake charmers thrilled the audience with feats beside hooded, upright snakes. Fifteen snake charmers from various districts took part in the contest, with more than a hundred snakes from 11 teams.

The surroundings rang with applause and cheering. Young and old, men and women all joined in, and a festive mood grew around the game.

Snake charmer Sabuj, from Jhenaidah, said: "This is the heritage of our forefathers. I have been learning it since childhood and make my living through this game. If the government stands by us, this tradition will survive. At the same time I advise people that a snakebite patient must be taken to hospital quickly."

Sohel, a snake charmer from Shailkupa, said: "My father and grandfather also showed this game. I learned from them and now entertain people. But without government patronage we are in difficulty."

For the organisers, Shahariya Emon Rubel said: "This event is to bring the village together and keep an ancient tradition alive. We want future generations to be able to see these games too."

Spectators said jhapan is not just entertainment but part of rural heritage, and that as well as giving people pleasure, the snake charmers are also spreading a message of awareness.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.