Significance
Nag Panchami is dedicated to the worship of serpents (Nagas). It falls on Shravan Shukla Panchami. Snakes are revered to ward off fear and seek protection from snake bites.
Mythology & Legend
According to the Mahabharata, when Janamejaya performed the Sarpa Satra to destroy all snakes, the sage Astika intervened and stopped it. Nag Panchami also recalls Krishna subduing Kaliya in the Yamuna. Serpents are associated with fertility and the underworld.
Rituals & Observances
- At dawn, clean the house and draw images of snakes on the walls or at the entrance.
- Offer milk, flowers, and rice to snake idols or images; avoid harming snakes.
- Visit temples dedicated to Nagas; offer prasad.
- In some regions, live snakes are worshipped by priests.
- Refrain from digging the earth or cutting trees to avoid harming snakes.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ नागाय नमः
oṃ nāgāya namaḥ
Salutations to the Naga
Traditional Foods
- ●Milk
- ●Fruits
- ●Sattvic meals
- ●Prasad
Regional Variations
Maharashtra(नाग पंचमी)
Snake images on walls
South India(ನಾಗ ಪಂಚಮಿ)
Temple puja, no ploughing
North India(नाग पंचमी)
Milk offering to snake idols
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Worship snake idols
- ✓Offer milk
- ✓Avoid harming snakes
- ✓Stay indoors in snake-prone areas
Don'ts
- ✗Do not kill or harm snakes
- ✗Avoid digging on this day
- ✗Do not eat heavy non-veg