Pampattam (snake dance) (Tamil:பாம்பாட்டம்) is a folk dance from Tamil country, India.[1] Snakes considered as the protecting divinity which safeguards the health and prosperity. Snakes are also related to the Hindu deity Murugan. Usually girls perform this dance with a snake skin-like costume.[2] The performer simulates snake movements, writhing, creeping and making quick biting movements with the head and hands. The hands are also held together to look like the hood of a cobra.
In the classical dance form Bharata Natyam the snake dance is performed in a manner similar to the old folk dance.