Snake found in prasad sparks panic in Odisha’s Kendrapara

Panic swept through a quiet neighbourhood in Odisha’s Kendrapara district after a shocking discovery turned a religious gathering into a scene of fear and confusion.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday night in Nuagaon, under Ward 10 of Pattamundai Municipality, where nearly 1,000 devotees had gathered for a religious congregation. As part of the customary offering, dalma , a traditional curry made with vegetables and pulses, was served as prasad .

What was meant to be a moment of devotion quickly turned distressing.

While distributing the food, organisers reportedly discovered a dead snake in the preparation. By then, however, nearly 700 people had already consumed the prasad , triggering widespread panic across the locality. Word spread rapidly, and fear took over as people rushed to seek medical help.

Within minutes, the Pattamundai Sub-Divisional Hospital saw an influx of anxious devotees, worried about possible food poisoning or contamination. Families, elders, and children alike gathered in large numbers, many fearing the worst.

However, doctors brought a sense of calm amid the chaos.

Medical officer Nirakar Parida confirmed that no symptoms of illness or food poisoning were detected among those examined. “We checked everyone and advised them not to panic,” he said, reassuring the public that there was no immediate health threat.

To ensure safety, authorities acted swiftly. A medical team was dispatched to the area the following morning to monitor the situation closely and check if anyone developed delayed symptoms. Officials later confirmed that no cases of illness had been reported among those who consumed the food.

Even as the health scare subsided, the incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards during large public gatherings. For many, what began as a sacred ritual ended as a chilling reminder of how quickly negligence can turn devotion into distress.