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Burning black sesame seeds, often with cow dung cakes, creates pungent smoke that locals believe is highly effective in driving snakes away during the rainy season
Snakes have a highly developed sense of smell, and the smoke created from black sesame becomes unbearable for them. (Local18)
In the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, the risk of snake sightings increases significantly during the monsoon season. Snakes often seek dry and warm spaces, leading them to venture into homes. During such times, residents of the hills still rely on traditional and natural remedies to keep these reptiles at bay.
One such remedy is the use of black sesame smoke. According to local beliefs and experience, burning black sesame seeds creates a smoke that is highly effective in repelling snakes. Santoshi Devi, a resident of Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, told Local 18 that the natural oils and pungent aroma released by the seeds affect a snake’s sense of smell, making it difficult for them to stay in the area. As a result, they tend to leave on their own.
This practice continues in many villages of Bageshwar. People light fires in earthen pots placed in courtyards, near doorways, in cowsheds, and in all four corners of the house, and add black sesame seeds to the flames. Some even add cow dung cakes to enhance the smoke’s effectiveness. This method is also known to repel other poisonous insects and creatures.
Though traditional, this remedy has proven to be very effective. Snakes have a highly developed sense of smell, and the smoke created from black sesame becomes unbearable for them. That’s why this technique has been used for generations in mountain communities to stay safe during the rainy season.
In areas like Kapkot, Garud, and Shama in Bageshwar, this home remedy has now become part of the daily routine. Every evening, villagers create smoke around their homes to ensure no snake or dangerous creature enters at night.
What makes this method special is its simplicity and affordability. It requires no harmful chemicals and is far cheaper than chemical repellents available in the market, which can sometimes be unsafe for humans and animals. This age-old knowledge from the hills is not just a remedy, it’s a sustainable practice worth adopting elsewhere.
- Location :
Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India
- First Published:
