nomadic

nomadic

The word ‘Bede’, locally known as Baidda, is derived from the Bengali word ‘Beday’, meaning ‘one who searches’. They carry snakes in boxes and travel to villages and local haats, where people gather. There, they perform snake shows, sell medicinal herbs and amulets, and advise people on how to stay safe from snake bites. Photo: Yasin Piash

A nomadic life with snakes: The changing world of the Bedes

Traditionally, many Bede families lived on boats along rivers and canals, while others travelled by land, temporarily settling in makeshift huts before moving on.