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Nag Panchami: A Festival of Serpent Worship and Spiritual Symbolism
Nag Panchami is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated annually in reverence to Nāga Devatas—serpent deities that hold deep mythological and spiritual importance in Indian culture. Observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Shravana month (July–August), this festival is particularly popular in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and even parts of Nepal.
In 2025, Nag Panchami falls on 29 July (Tuesday) with the most auspicious worship time or puja muhurat being 5:41 AM to 8:23 AM.
🌸 Rituals and Observances
On Nag Panchami, devotees offer prayers to snakes or their symbolic representations—idols made of silver, clay, stone, or wood. In many regions, live snakes, particularly cobras, are also worshipped. Snake charmers bring these serpents to towns and villages where people feed them milk, honey, sweets, and flowers, believing that such offerings will appease the deities and bring peace, prosperity, and protection.
In temples and homes, people draw snake images on walls or floors using red sandalwood, turmeric, or vermilion paste. The snake is seen as sacred, a symbol of fertility, rebirth, and divine energy. Women observe fasts, tie protective threads (raksha sutras), and sing folk songs praising serpents. It is also believed that digging the earth on this day is forbidden, as it may disturb or harm hidden snakes in underground burrows.
In Maharashtra, a famous custom involves married women praying for their family's well-being and offering milk to snake idols. In parts of South India like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, temples dedicated to Nāga (like Subramanya Swamy temples) witness large crowds of worshippers who perform Sarpasamskara or Ashlesha Bali rituals to remove curses like Nāga Dosha or Kalasarpa Dosha
🐍 Mythological Significance
Nag Panchami is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures. According to the Mahabharata, King Janamejaya performed a massive snake sacrifice called Sarpa Satra to avenge the death of his father Parikshit by Takshaka, a powerful serpent. As the ritual caused countless serpents to perish in fire, the young sage Astika intervened and convinced the king to stop the sacrifice on the day of Panchami. Since then, that day has been celebrated as Nag Panchami, honoring the survival of the serpent race.
Another mythological tale connects Nag Panchami with Lord Krishna, who, as a child, defeated the venomous snake Kaliya in the Yamuna River. Krishna danced on Kaliya's hood and spared his life on the condition that he leave the river. This legend symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the importance of respecting even dangerous aspects of nature.
Nag Panchami celebrations differ across regions:
In Bengal, clay snake idols are worshipped at home with offerings of turmeric, rice, and milk.
In Maharashtra, snake charmers carry real snakes in baskets and move through villages receiving offerings.
In Karnataka, the festival stretches for days and includes major processions, temple rituals, and folk plays about serpent gods.
In Nepal, especially at Naag Pokhari in Kathmandu, people worship water-filled serpent tanks, and temples see large gatherings of devotees.
In urban areas, symbolic worship has become more prominent, with people using photos or idols instead of live snakes to prevent cruelty to animals. Wildlife activists and forest departments often conduct awareness drives to discourage capturing or harming snakes.
🔱 Spiritual and Environmental Message
Snakes in Hinduism symbolize kundalini energy, spiritual awakening, and the cyclical nature of life and death. Nag Panchami, thus, is not merely a festival of ritual; it’s also a celebration of ecological balance. Farmers pray to serpents for rain and crop fertility. The snake’s role in controlling pests and maintaining the food chain is subtly acknowledged through devotion.
Ultimately, Nag Panchami blends spiritual devotion, mythological reverence, and environmental respect. It teaches harmony with nature and promotes the idea that even feared creatures have divine purpose and deserve protection.
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