Nag Panchami is celebrated as one of the holy festivals in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. On this day, snakes and serpents are worshipped for a happy and prosperous life. In 2024, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on 9th August. It is on Friday. In India, people worship snakes and consider them as God. Therefore Nag Panchami is one of the auspicious periods for the devotees.
Puja Timings
If you want to offer prayers on this day, you must be well aware of the tithis and puja timing. The puja muhurat will commence at 5.47 AM and will end by 8.27 AM. You will get 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the puja. It is okay if you make all the preparations by this time. The Panchami tithi will begin at 12.36 AM on 9th August. It will end by 03.14 AM on 10th August.
Nag Panchami is celebrated two days after Hariyali Teej. You must have seen women give or keep a pan of milk in front of their house or in front of some temples to feed Nag Devta. This is done to protect their families from the snake bites. However, if you want, to offer prayers you must visit a temple.
About festival
Just before the Aryans came to India, there lived a clan known as Nagaas. They were a famous clan during this period. They were popularly known for their worship of the snakes. Instead they were dedicated snake worshippers. After the Naga culture, it was the Indo-Aryans who worshipped the snakes. They were great followers of snakes. Most prominent cobra kings like Vasuki, shesh nag were worshipped with total dedication. You must have heard that Balaram, brother of Lord Krishna, was also the incarnation of sesh nag. He was also worshipped.
You must have also observed most ancient architecture of the statues represent the snakes in their architecture. They were designed in their looks. Snakes live in Patal Loke. They also demand worship. This is why it was decided they are also entitled to get good prestige and prayers. Nag Panchami is celebrated to offer prayers to them and protect the family from their bites.
During this period, twelve nag devtas are worshipped by the devotees. They are are as follows.
- Ananta
- Vasuki
- Shesha
- Padma
- Kambala
- Karkotaka
- Ashvatara
- Dhritarashtra
- Shankhapala
- Kaliya
- Takshaka
- Pingala
They are worshipped in many temples with milk and other fruit items. It is a holy festival in many parts of India. In Gujarat, this festival is celebrated for 15 days. Nag Panchami falls on the Krishna Paksha of Shravan month. Bola Chhath is also celebrated the day before the Nag Panchami. It is also known as Bahula Chhath. On this day, cattle are worshipped. It is the main festival of the villages in Gujarat. This festival is also celebrated in many parts of Andhra Pradesh. You can also find this festival in Tamil Nadu. They are known by different names.
FAQ
- What is Nag Panchami?
- Nag Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes or serpents. It falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravana, typically in July or August of the Gregorian calendar.
- Why are snakes worshipped on Nag Panchami?
- Snakes hold a significant place in Hindu mythology, and Nag Panchami is associated with the worship of the serpent deities, especially the Naga Devatas. It is believed that by worshiping snakes, people seek protection from snake bites and ill effects associated with them.
- Are live snakes involved in Nag Panchami celebrations?
- In some regions, especially in rural areas, people may choose to include live snakes in the festivities, treating them with respect and offering them milk. However, this practice has raised concerns about the welfare of both humans and snakes and is discouraged in many places.
- How do people celebrate Nag Panchami?
- Devotees observe a fast on Nag Panchami and visit temples dedicated to snake deities. Images or idols of snakes are worshipped with milk, honey, and other offerings. Some people draw snake images on the ground and offer prayers.
- What is the significance of offering milk to snakes on Nag Panchami?
- Milk is considered a sacred offering to snakes as it is believed to be their favorite food. The act of offering milk is symbolic of seeking protection from snake bites and ensuring harmony with these creatures.
- Are there any specific rituals associated with Nag Panchami?
- Rituals on Nag Panchami include bathing snake deities in milk, offering special prayers, and reciting mantras dedicated to serpent gods. Devotees may also visit anthills, as they are believed to be the abodes of snakes.
- Is Nag Panchami celebrated only in India?
- Nag Panchami is primarily observed in India, but similar serpent-worshipping traditions can be found in other countries with Hindu communities, especially in Nepal and some Southeast Asian countries.
- Are there any mythological stories associated with Nag Panchami?
- One common mythological story is about the serpent king Sheshnag and his sister Manasa Devi, who are worshipped on this day. Another story involves Lord Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna River.
- Is there any specific attire or color associated with Nag Panchami?
- Devotees often wear traditional clothes while observing Nag Panchami, and some may choose to wear colors like green or white, symbolizing the serpents.
- Are there any superstitions related to Nag Panchami?
- While Nag Panchami is a religious festival, there are various superstitions related to snakes during this time, such as avoiding digging the ground, cutting trees, or disturbing anthills to prevent angering the serpent deities.
These FAQs offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious aspects of Nag Panchami, a unique festival in India dedicated to the worship of snakes.
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