In India, Nāga Panchamī (नाग पंचमी) is a festival usually celebrated in August or September. Devotees to temples and give offerings to snakes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfw7YudyYDs

This is because snakes are thought to be guardians of rivers and springs. It’s believed that if snakes are mistreated, they will bring about floods and other disasters.

In Tulu Nadu (a region in Karnataka), cobras are respected and worshipped. Altars are set up to honor the snakes.

The snakes often catch mice that would have otherwise destroyed the crops, so snakes are held in high regard. Not only are snakes revered for practical reasons, they are revered as the companions of Hindu gods like Shiva (शिव). In Hindu legends, Lord Shiva wore a snake around his neck. Sometimes. the nāga or snake, accompanies the Lord Shiva.