Nag Panchami
नाग पंचमी
The festival of serpent worship on the fifth day of Shravana Shukla Paksha. Devotees offer milk, flowers, and prayers to snake deities, seeking protection and blessings from Nag Devta.
Why We Celebrate
Nag Panchami celebrates the divine serpents (Nagas) who hold an important place in Hindu mythology. Shesha Nag serves as the bed of Lord Vishnu, Vasuki adorns Lord Shiva's neck, and the thousand-headed Ananta supports the universe. Snakes are revered as protectors of the earth and symbols of fertility, power, and rebirth. The festival also marks the day when Krishna subdued the serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna river.
Nag Panchami is the festival of serpent worship, celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Shravana. In Hindu tradition, serpents (Nagas) are revered as divine beings. Shesha Nag serves as the cosmic bed of Lord Vishnu, Vasuki adorns Lord Shiva's neck, and snakes are considered protectors of the earth and symbols of fertility and rebirth. Worshipping snakes on this day is believed to bring protection from snake bites and blessings of prosperity.
The festival also commemorates the legend of Krishna subduing Kaliya, the venomous serpent who poisoned the Yamuna river. Young Krishna danced on Kaliya's hoods, defeating him but sparing his life when Kaliya's wives pleaded for mercy. Another story tells of a farmer who accidentally killed a family of snakes while plowing his field — his daughter worshipped Nag Devta and saved her family from the serpents' revenge.
On Nag Panchami, devotees offer milk, flowers, and prayers to snake idols, live snakes (in some regions), or ant hills (believed to be snake homes). Farmers avoid digging or plowing to protect underground snakes. The festival reminds us to respect all creatures and recognize the sacred in nature.
How It's Celebrated
Wake early, bathe, and visit a Nag temple or ant hill (considered snake homes)
Draw or install images of snakes (Nag) on the wall or at the entrance using turmeric or sandalwood paste
Offer raw milk, rice, flowers, and durva grass to the snake images
Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and Nag Gayatri Mantra
Avoid digging earth or plowing fields on this day (protects underground snakes)
In the evening, perform aarti and distribute prasad
Regional Variations
What You Need
- Snake image or idol (silver, brass, or clay)
- Raw milk and turmeric
- Durva grass and flowers
- Rice, fruits, and sweets
- Sandalwood paste for drawing
- Incense and oil lamp
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Download AaradhanaDid You Know?
- ✦In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu rests on Shesha (the cosmic serpent), Lord Shiva wears Vasuki around his neck, and Lord Ganesha wears a snake as a sacred thread — making serpents deeply sacred across all traditions.
- ✦On Nag Panchami, farmers traditionally do not plow their fields to avoid accidentally harming snakes underground — it is a day of truce with nature.
- ✦The offering of milk to snakes on Nag Panchami is symbolic — in reality, milk can harm snakes as they are lactose intolerant, so many temples now use water or honey instead.
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