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Barmani Puja In Assam

Barmani Puja is performed by Rabha community in Assam and it is the snake worship of the Rabhas. Some villages have a mareghar or marethan dedicated to snake worship. The puja involves various offerings including animal sacrifice. Lamps, incense and local produce are offered on the occasion of the puja. Fish, fruits, betel leaves, betel nuts and fresh clothes are part of the offering.

The main deity worshipped in the puja is Goddess Manasa – the serpent deity.

The worship is not restricted to people of one religion or caste, and there is no fixed day for the puja and may be performed whenever devotees desire it.

The puja performed usually by a village elder who is experienced in conducting the puja. He will have a couple of assistants who will perform various small rituals that are part of ophiolatry.  

A feast is offered at the end of the pujas. The food items usually contain both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

The sacrifice of animals such as buffaloes, goats, pigs, ducks and pigeons are performed. The sacrificial animal chosen varies from region to region. Sometimes the animals are released after making the offering.