~ madhubani painting: festival in honor of snakes ~
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The symbolism seems to represent the Nag Panchami festival which takes place in July or August as determined by the lunar calendar. It occurs on the fifth day of the "bright" or waxing portion of the lunar cycle. The purpose of the festival is to attain relief from the practical dangers presented by snakes in the fields, near streams and water sources, and in the village. At the center of the painting is a line or stack of appropriately decorated ghats or ritual pots.
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