Nag Panchami - 15-June-2026

The Significance of Nag Panchami

Hindus celebrate Nag Panchami, a festival honoring serpents (Nagas), on the fifth day of the waxing moon in Shravan (July-August). The festival is steeped in religious, spiritual, and cultural meaning, with snakes revered as powerful divine beings linked to protection, fertility, and cosmic harmony.

According to devotees, worshipping Nagas on this day will bring prosperity, prevent snakebites, and safeguard their families.

Worship of Nagas in Hinduism

Snakes are associated with many Hindu deities:

Lord Shiva wears a serpent (Vasuki) around his neck.

Lord Vishnu rests on the divine serpent Ananta Shesha in the cosmic ocean.

Goddess Manasa Devi is worshiped as the protector of serpents.

Nag Panchami is celebrated to honor these divine serpents and seek their blessings.

The Legend of Takshaka and King Janamejaya

According to the Mahabharata, King Parikshit was cursed and bitten by the serpent king Takshaka. His son, Janamejaya, performed a great snake sacrifice (Sarpa Satra) to destroy all serpents, but was stopped by the intervention of a sage who emphasized the importance of harmony between humans and snakes. Nag Panchami is observed as a day to respect and protect serpents, recognizing their role in nature.

In many rural areas, snakes are a real danger, and Nag Panchami is believed to protect people from snakebites. Offering prayers and milk to serpents is believed to ensure safety, fertility, and prosperity.

1. Rituals and Worship of Snakes

Devotees offer milk, turmeric, flowers, and sweets to images or live snake burrows (anthills).

In some regions, live snakes are worshiped and released into the wild.

2. Fasting and Temple Visits

Many devotees observe a fast and visit temples dedicated to Naga deities.

The Nag Panchami Katha (sacred story of the festival) is read or recited.

3. Acts of Charity and Avoidance of Harm

Killing or harming snakes is strictly forbidden on this day.

People engage in charitable acts such as feeding the poor and donating food or clothes.

May the blessings of the Nagas bring prosperity and protection to all! 🙏🐍🕉️