Mass Illness Strikes After Dead Snake Discovered in Temple Prasad in Odisha
A religious gathering in a quiet Odisha village turned into a scene of panic and widespread illness late Wednesday night after a dead snake was discovered in the sacred food offering, or prasad. The incident occurred at Nuagaon village within the Pattamundai police station limits of Kendrapada district, leaving around 120 people, including 40 children and women, feeling unwell.
Panic Erupts as Snake Found in Dalma Curry
According to eyewitness accounts, devotees were partaking in the prasad, which consisted of rice and dalma (a traditional vegetable curry), when someone noticed the dead snake in the curry vessel. Nagendra Mallick (54), a resident of Nuagaon, stated, "We served prasad to around 200 people. After taking the food, many started to feel uneasy once they learned about the snake in the dalma." The food had been prepared for approximately 400 attendees of the village temple event.
Local resident Bibhuti Das (52) suggested, "We suspect the snake fell into the cooking vessel accidentally, and the cook might have noticed it. However, during serving, some people spotted the dead snake." Basanti Mallick (60) added, "Many locals stopped eating immediately upon seeing the snake, but numerous devotees had already consumed the prasad before the discovery."
Medical Response and Assessment
In response to the emergency, around 200 individuals, including many women and children, were rushed to the hospital on Wednesday night. Dr. Nirakar Parida, Medical Officer of the Pattamundai Sub-Divisional Hospital, reported, "We conducted medical check-ups on all patients and found no symptoms indicative of food poisoning. Many experienced uneasiness and vomiting primarily due to the psychological shock of learning about the snake." As a precaution, a medical team was dispatched to Nuagaon village on Thursday morning to examine all villagers who had consumed the food.
Dr. Manoranjan Rout, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Kendrapada, confirmed, "The villagers panicked after sighting the dead snake. After discussing with the Pattamundai medical officer, we confirmed that all individuals who ate at the festival are in stable condition."
Expert Insight on Snake Consumption Risks
Subhendu Mallik, General Secretary of Snake Helpline, provided context on the health implications. "Snakes are consumed in many countries with proper processing and cooking, posing no health risk. However, if a snake falls into food and is cooked as is, it should not be consumed, as it can lead to food poisoning. Even unknowing consumption can cause common symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, all affected individuals are expected to recover without serious danger."
This unsettling event has highlighted the importance of food safety during large-scale religious functions, while medical authorities reassure the public that the physical health risks appear minimal compared to the psychological impact of the discovery.
