RAYAGADA: Thousands of families of Telugu and other communities thronged different snake pits in the town to worship ‘Naga Devata’ on the occasion of Nagula Chouthi on Monday. After offering Puja near snake pits, the devotees visited Shiva temples in the area. A large rush of devotees were seen from areas like Rayagada Collectorate, Vidya Nagar, Rayat Colony, Raniguda Farm, Kasturi Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Indira Nagar.
Women dressed in traditional attires worshipped ‘Naga Devata’ by pouring milk and offering eggs and flowers near the snake pits. The devotees also placed traditional home-made sweets and cakes at the pits.
Women observe fast and perform ‘Naga Puja’ for progeny and long life for their husbands on the fourth day after Diwali Amavashya in the sacred month of Kartika.
On the other hand, it was a field day for slum children who thronged different snake pits to collect milk, cakes and eggs offered by devotees to ‘Naga Devata’. One of the children, K Sankar collected more than 15 eggs from different snake pits. He said these eggs, which are from country hens, fetch a good price in the market than the broiler eggs. I got `15 per egg from the local market,’’ he said.