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 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 and 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, agriculture 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 particularly 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, the devotees engage in fasting, organise the bathing fair on the bank of the river and visit the temples specially dedicated to snakes. They also smeared the cow dung as a part of ritual on both sides of the entrance of houses to welcome the snake God. Some people greet snakes by offering flour, rice and milk placed near holes where snakes are supposed to dwell. On this day, Snakes are not killed if they are found in the field, and many people refrain from ploughing to avoid any accident caused by killing a snake.
Worship of live snakes
People also worship live snakes, mainly cobras, and offer milk, sindoor (vermilion), haldi (turmeric), sweets, especially kheer and laddus, as well as durva grass and flowers. The snake charmers also place cobras in the basket where devotees offer milk. However, India's animal welfare legislation does not encourage this type of practice.
Performing Kajari Songs
In many parts of India, the occasion is celebrated by singing Kajari songs, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, by women and girls.
Fasting and rituals
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Many devotees observe a fast on the Nag Panchami and break it after
the rituals have been completed.
Special puja
The special puja with the name Nag Puja is held where married women seek blessings for their brothers' well-being.
Where is Nag Panchami celebrated?
Some popular regions
Maharashtra
In the surrounding areas of Nagpur in Maharashtra, the worship of real snakes is common. In addition, devotees also visit Nagoba Temple to perform the rituals.
Karnataka
Nag Panchami is also celebrated in various parts of Karnataka, especially in Bangalore, Mysore, Udupi, and Mangalore in Tulu Nadu Region as a Subrahmanya. Families mainly indulge in sketching snake motifs and offer food and milk.
Bengal and Assam
The worship of the snake goddess, Ma Manasha Devi, is significant in these two regions. Folk tales that reflect the story of Behula and Lakhinder are celebrated and narrated.
Nepal
Nag Panchami is also observed in Nepal to commemorate the success of Lord Krishna in rescuing humanity from the threat of the venomous snake, Kaliya.
Final Words
Nag Panchami is a captivating amalgamation of folklore, faith, and ecological awareness. By worshipping the snake gods, we demonstrate respect for all living beings and their desire to coexist in harmony with nature. Whether it involves offering milk, drawing snakes, or performing ancient songs, this religious festival connects generations through rituals and mythology.