A Brief Overview of Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is one of the revered festivals in the Hindu religion dedicated to the worship of nagas or snakes. This unique sacred festival is celebrated in India and Nepal on Panchami or the fifth day of the bright half or Shukla Paksha, in (July-August) or the Shravan month. This sacred celebration is rich in traditions, mythology and religious observance. This article explores the celebration methods, significance, essential places, timing and some remarkable facts regarding this festival.
The Details About Nag Panchami
The Origin of Nag Panchami
As the name suggests, Nag Panchami is a festival in which people worship the snakes or “Nag”. Traced in ancient tradition, this festival is associated with snakes that are considered divine and sacred. This festival mainly comes in the rainy season and is celebrated to avoid an increased risk of snake bites during this time.
Mythological Relevance
Nag Panchami is the day when Lord Krishna overpowered the serpent Kaliya. According to the Mahabharata, the origin of this specific festival is connected to the story of Janamajaya, who performed the Sarpasatra, or snake sacrifice, in vengeance for the death of his father caused by a snake bite. Astika, a sage who later stopped this sacrifice, pleaded to show his mercy for serpents on this day.
Why is Nag Panchami Celebrated?
Nag Panchami is observed to honour the snakes and also seek protection from them, which are linked with both respect and fear in Indian culture. It is celebrated to obtain benediction for the well-being of the family, agricultural prosperity, fertility and good rainfall. Farmers, in particular, observe it as an auspicious moment, as it coincides with the peak of the monsoon season, which is significant for agriculture.
When Will Nag Panchami Be Celebrated This Year?
This year, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on July 29, 2025. Panchami Tithi will start late on July 28 and end on July 30. The ideal time of puja muharat shall begin in the early morning at approximately 5:41 AM.
How is Nag Panchami Celebrated?
Worship of Snakes
On the auspicious day of Nag Panchami, devotees engage in fasting, organise bathing fairs on the river banks and visit temples specially dedicated to snakes. They also smear cow dung as a part of the ritual on both sides of house entrances to welcome the snake God. Some people offer flour, rice and milk near snake holes. Snakes are not killed if found in the fields, and ploughing is often avoided to prevent accidents.
Worship of Live Snakes
People also worship live snakes, mainly cobras, offering milk, sindoor (vermilion), haldi (turmeric), sweets such as kheer and laddus, durva grass, and flowers. Snake charmers may display cobras for devotees to offer milk, though India's animal welfare laws discourage this practice.
Performing Kajari Songs
In many parts of India, especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, women and girls celebrate by singing Kajari songs.
Fasting and Rituals
- Many devotees observe a fast on Nag Panchami and break it after completing the rituals.
- Temples dedicated to Manasa Devi and Nag Devta see large crowds.
- Women draw images of snakes on walls using natural colors and worship them.
- In South India, females decorate anthills and snake pits with flowers and turmeric paste.
Special Puja
The Nag Puja is performed where married women seek blessings for their brothers' well-being.
Where is Nag Panchami Celebrated?
Maharashtra
In areas around Nagpur, worship of real snakes is common. Devotees also visit Nagoba Temple for rituals.
Karnataka
Celebrated in Bangalore, Mysore, Udupi, and Mangalore (Tulu Nadu Region), families sketch snake motifs and offer food and milk.
Bengal and Assam
The worship of snake goddess Ma Manasha Devi is significant. Folk tales like Behula and Lakhinder are narrated and celebrated.
Nepal
Nag Panchami is observed to commemorate Lord Krishna's triumph over the venomous snake Kaliya.
Final Words
Nag Panchami is a captivating amalgamation of folklore, faith, and ecological awareness. By worshipping the snake gods, devotees demonstrate respect for all living beings and their desire to coexist in harmony with nature. Whether offering milk, drawing snakes, or performing ancient songs, this festival connects generations through rituals and mythology.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and independent analysis. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent the views or endorsements of any religious body, organisation or government.
Author: Snigdha Dhibar