Nag Panchami's auspicious puja muhurat is usually held in the day's first watch, with the exact timing varying by city, so check a local panchang.
Significance of Nag Panchami
In the Sanatan tradition, serpents are worshipped as deities. Lord Shiva wears serpents as ornaments, and Lord Vishnu reclines upon the coils of Sheshnag. On this basis, Nag Panchami is observed on the Panchami tithi of the Shravan month, in honour of the serpent gods.
According to legend, as a child, Lord Krishna subdued the venomous serpent Kaliya, who lived in the Yamuna river, and commanded him to leave, an episode also associated with this Panchami tithi in Shravan. In another legend, sage Astika saved the serpent race from King Janamejaya's snake sacrifice (Sarpa Yagna) on this very tithi.
The festival also holds importance for farmers, since snakes often venture near fields and homes during the monsoon. Worshipping the Nag Devta is meant to seek protection from the fear of snakebite and the safety of the crop.
How Nag Panchami Is Celebrated
On this day, an image of the Nag Devta is drawn on a wall or clay tablet, or a silver or clay idol of a serpent is set up and worshipped.
Milk, turmeric, roli, akshat, and flowers are offered to the Nag Devta. In many places, milk is also poured near snake burrows, though veterinarians note this can actually harm snakes, worshipping an idol or image is the preferable practice.
Digging the earth or ploughing is avoided on this day, in the belief that it may harm serpents living underground. In the evening, the fast is broken after listening to the legend of the Nag Devta.
Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning and set up an image or idol of the Nag Devta at home. Offer milk, turmeric, roli, akshat, and flowers, and perform the aarti with incense and a lamp. Avoid digging the earth through the day, and in the evening, after listening to the legend, break the fast with a phalahar meal or a single meal.
About Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is observed on Shravan Shukla Panchami, dedicated to the worship of the serpent gods. This page covers the festival's significance, the legends of Krishna subduing Kaliya and sage Astika, and the puja vidhi.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Nag Panchami observed?
Nag Panchami is observed every year on the Panchami tithi of the Shravan Shukla Paksha, usually falling in July–August.
Why is Nag Panchami celebrated?
The festival is observed in honour of the serpent gods and to seek protection from the fear of snakes, and is also linked to the legends of Krishna subduing Kaliya and sage Astika.
Is it appropriate to pour milk at a snake burrow?
This is a traditional practice, but veterinarians note that milk is not a suitable food for snakes, so worshipping an idol or image of the Nag Devta at home is considered the more appropriate approach.
Why is digging the earth avoided on Nag Panchami?
It is believed that digging the earth or ploughing on this day could harm serpents living underground, which is why the activity is avoided.