Kolkata has recently seen heavy rains, turning roadways into rivers and flooding residential neighborhoods. Rainwater has poured into houses, offices, and vehicles, causing mayhem throughout the city. Kolkata has recently seen heavy rains, turning roadways into rivers and flooding residential neighborhoods. Rainwater has poured into houses, offices, and vehicles, causing mayhem throughout the city. One of the disturbing images circulating on social media stands out for its sheer uniqueness; it shows a snake swimming through floodwaters while gripping a fish in its mouth.
In the viral video, shot from inside a flooded house, a snake can be seen floating around the drowned yard, with water levels nearly shoulder-high. A shaking fish is tightly held in its jaws. The video begins with the tagline "Just Kolkata things," which immediately sets the tone for local irony. Observers believe the snake is a Checkered Keelback (locally known as Jol Dhora). It's a water-friendly species that lives in lakes and rivers, so its presence in flooded cities is less surprising yet even more striking.
Netizens react
The clip rapidly went viral online, and Bengal's trademark humor followed. One comment reads, "Bro proved that he is Bengali." Others responded with remarks like, "Snakes also want to eat mach bhaat (rice and fish)," or "Bhai aaj full party karega," referring to the snake's catch as a joyful feast. Some simply sighed, "Kolkata moment."
The video's virality was accompanied by memes and hashtags related to Bengali cuisine culture, according to Hindustan Times.
The snake video might reflect the internet's whimsical attraction, but it also highlights a more serious reality Kolkata has to cope with: growing floods. Residential compounds and streets remain flooded, putting life at risk.
