The snake festival in Tonk, Rajasthan, dedicated to the folk hero and deity Veer Teja Ji, is a unique and vibrant celebration that captures the rich cultural and religious traditions of northwestern India. This festival takes place from the full moon day in the Shravan month to the no-moon day in the Bhadrapad month, with the 10th day of the waning phase of the moon in Bhadrapad being of particular significance. Veer Teja Ji snake festival in Tonk in Rajasthan is from August 19 to September 3. The main festival will be held on August 28. A unique aspect of the festival is that people willingly receive snake bite as it is said cure diseases and usher in good fortune.
Devotees from all around gather at the temple of Veer Teja
in Tonk to honor and celebrate this legendary folk hero. Veer Teja, also known
as Tejaji, holds a special place in the hearts of the people of rural Rajasthan
and is considered one of the major eleven incarnations of Lord Shiva.
The festival is marked by enthusiastic celebrations, with
devotees singing and dancing to the rhythmic beats of drums and traditional
instruments. What sets this festival apart is the unique practice of holding
snakes in their hands and willingly receiving their bites. It is believed that
enduring these snake bites during the celebration brings good fortune and is a
form of divine blessing.
The origin of this tradition is rooted in the remarkable
sacrifice of Veer Teja. According to a popular story, Veer Teja sacrificed his
life for the welfare of the people in the region. In a selfless act, he allowed
a snake to bite his tongue, the only unwounded area of his body. In return for
this sacrifice, Veer Teja struck a unique agreement with the serpent – the
snake pledged that no person or animal seeking the blessings of Veer Teja would
perish due to a snakebite. It is said that this divine event took place on
Bhadrapad Krishna paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing phase
of moon in Bhadrapad month.
This legend forms the basis for the devotees' belief that
enduring snake bites during the festival is not only an act of faith but also a
means of obtaining protection and good fortune. The snake festival in Tonk is a
testament to the deep-rooted cultural and religious practices that continue to
thrive in the vibrant tapestry of Rajasthan's traditions.