Though they are amongst the most deadly of snakes on the planet, in India cobras are kept as pets and hypnotized by so-called snake charmers. In order to make the snake emerge from its hiding place, snake charmers play the pungi (fig.), a flute-like instrument also known as a been (bihn) and made from a gourd, to the sound of which the snake is attracted. In addition to the pungi, snake charmers always hold on to a short stick to keep the cobras at a safe distance.

Though the practice of snake charming has also spread to other parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, it has remained foremost an Indian custom.