Nag Panchami: History, Significance, Rituals and Celebrations in India

Introduction

Nag Panchami is an annual festival that honours Nag Devta, the serpent gods in Hindu tradition. In 2026, it falls on Monday, August 17. The tithi and puja timings may vary by location.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Nag Panchami 2026, including the date, tithi, puja muhurat, rituals, and its astrological significance.

The festival is observed on Shukla Paksha Panchami in the month of Shravan and holds special meaning for many devotees, both religiously and astrologically.

On this day, devotees offer prayers, perform puja, fast, visit temples, and observe traditional rituals.

Besides all these, Nag Panchami is a day to show respect towards nature and living creatures, including snakes.

The festival is associated with folklore related to Lord Shiva, the Nagas, Lord Krishna, and Kaliya Nag, and is celebrated in unique ways across different parts of India.

There might be differences in traditions, but the key concept remains the same: respecting snakes and seeking their blessings, primarily to obtain relief from Kaal Sarp Dosh.

Today, in this blog, we will brief you all about what Kaal Sarp Dosh is and why people worship Lord Shiva on this day.

Nag Panchami Date and Puja Time

When Is Nag Panchami Celebrated?

Nag Panchami is observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar, and falls on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Shravan, which is why the date varies from year to year. It is generally celebrated between late July and August.

Nag Panchami generally takes place during the monsoon season, since rain can cause floods in homes, so snakes are often seen.

Nag Panchami Puja Time

The most auspicious time for celebrating Nag Panchami depends on the Panchami Tithi and the local Hindu calendar.

Usually the puja takes place during the daytime in most households. It is conducted after confirming the local Panchang for the actual timing. The auspicious time to perform Nag Panchami puja is from 6:00 AM to 8:10 AM.

Nag Panchami History

Ancient Roots of Snake Worship

Indian scriptures such as the Agni Purana, Skanda Purana, Narada Purana, and the Mahabharata tell stories about snakes and highlight the reverence accorded to their worship.

In the Mahabharata, Janamejaya, the son of King Parikshita of the Kuru dynasty, performed a snake sacrifice, the Sarpa Satra, to avenge his father's death at the hands of the snake king Takshaka.

A special fireplace was built for the ritual, and many wise Brahmin sages started the fire sacrifice to destroy all snakes. The ceremony was so powerful that snakes began falling into the Yagna kunda, or sacrificial fire pit.

When only Takshaka remained, after killing Parikshita's father and escaping to Indra's world for safety, the sages chanted the mantras even faster to bring Takshaka and Indra toward the fire.

Takshaka wrapped himself around Indra's bed, but the yagna was so strong that both Indra and Takshaka were drawn toward the fire.

This frightened the gods, so they asked Goddess Manasa, the queen of snakes, for help. She sent her son Astika to the yagna to ask Janamejaya to stop the Sarpa Satra.

Astika impressed Janamejaya with his knowledge of the scriptures, so the king granted him a wish. Astika asked that the sacrifice be ended, and Janamejaya agreed, even though the rishis objected. The yagna stopped, saving Indra, Takshaka, and the other snakes.

According to the Hindu calendar, this event happened on Nadivardhini Panchami, the fifth day of the bright half of Shravana during the monsoon.

Since then, this day has been celebrated as a festival for the Nagas, because their lives were spared. Indra also went to worship Manasadevi.

The day is considered lucky and is believed to bring good fortune. It also represents the victory of good over evil, as snakes are often seen as divine and protective, like Shesha and Vasuki. The celebration ends with feeding Brahmins.

Evolution of the Nag Panchami Festival

Nag Panchami has evolved into a festival in which people offer heartfelt prayers to the Nagas and seek their blessings.

The main message of this festival is to foster harmony with nature and with living beings, including snakes.

We often view these reptiles as a threat to life, but people need to be aware of their importance in the natural world.

Nag Panchami Mythology

Nagas in Hindu Mythology

In most Hindu stories, there is mention of Nagas, who are depicted as powerful beings connected to water, nature, and the underground world.

Among the Nagas who play key roles in Hindu mythology, Shesha and Vasuki are the most prominent.

Shesha is also called Ananta, and is linked with Lord Vishnu, who rests on its coiled bed. Lakshman (from Ramayana) and Balram (from Mahabharat) are said to be the incarnations of Shesha Naag, who appeared with Vishnu’s two epic heroes, Rama and Krishna, in Treta and Dwapar yugas.

Another snake is Vasuki, who became famous during the time of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean).

Like Shesha is associated with Vishnu, Vasuki is associated with Lord Shiva. The serpent coiling around Mahadeva is none other than Vasuki.

Lord Shiva and Vasuki

The connection between Lord Shiva and the Nagas is a familiar image in Hinduism, with Shiva often depicted wearing a snake around his neck.

Vasuki represents fear, ego, and mortality, while Shiva’s acceptance of the snake symbolises overcoming these limitations through wisdom and surrender.

The bond is also linked to the Samudra Manthan, when Vasuki served as the rope around Mount Mandara as devas and asuras churned the ocean for the nectar of immortality.

According to tradition, Shiva later honoured Vasuki by making him his eternal companion.

The snake thus symbolises courage, service, endurance, and transformation.

Krishna and Kaliya Nag

Nag Panchami is associated with an interesting tale about the fight between Lord Krishna and Kaliya Nag.

According to Hindu mythology, Kaliya Nag resided in the Yamuna River, exercising dominance over it.

Because of his venomous influence, the waters of the said river became poisonous and dangerous.

People and animals often fell victim to Kaliya. One day, while Krishna was playing with his friends, the ball fell into the river.

Carrying a fear of Kaliya, no one dared to enter the river. But Krishna was fearless and jumped into the river.

Upon discovering an intruder, Kaliya attacked Krishna, sparking a fight between them. At last, Krishna defeated the serpent king and later ordered him to leave the river.

Why is Nag Panchami Celebrated?

Nag Panchami, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Nagas, and is a day to show respect and humility towards snakes.

According to belief, worshipping Nagas provides a shield against negative forces and blessings to one’s family.

Since the festival falls during the monsoon, heavy rains cause snakes to leave their natural habitats and venture into local human neighbourhoods.

As per traditional belief, snakes must not be harmed and should be offered prayers. Devotees believe that doing this ensures protection from snakebites and brings prosperity and family well-being.

Significance of Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is closely tied to serpent symbolism in Hindu traditions. On this day, people worship Nag Devta and pray for protection, their family's well-being, and spiritual strength.

Serpents are also important in Vedic astrology. Many traditions link serpent imagery to the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu, but different schools have their own interpretations of this connection.

Some astrologers link Nag worship to Kaal Sarp Dosha, a Vedic astrological concept that occurs when the seven classical planets are placed between Rahu and Ketu in a birth chart.

Because of this, some people see Nag Panchami as an important day for prayers or traditional remedies for these planetary concerns.

How is Nag Panchami Celebrated?

Preparing for Nag Panchami Puja

Devotees usually clean their homes and prepare a small place for puja. Images or idols representing Nagas may be used for worship.

People may offer flowers, turmeric, sandalwood, milk, sweets, and other traditional items according to local customs. The exact puja method can vary between families and regions.

Nag Panchami Puja Rituals

During the puja, devotees offer prayers to Nagas and seek blessings for the health and safety of their families. Some people worship images or idols of snakes, while others visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva or the Nagas.

Mantras and prayers may be recited during the ceremony. Devotees also make offerings according to their family traditions.

It is important to remember that worship should not involve disturbing or harming real snakes. Snakes are wild animals and should be treated safely and respectfully.

Temple Visits and Fasting

Many devotees visit temples on Nag Panchami. Shiva temples and temples associated with Nagas may see special prayers and rituals on this day.

Some devotees observe a fast as part of their religious practice. Fasting rules vary across families and communities, so people generally follow their own traditions.

What to Do on Nag Panchami

• Start your day by taking a bath before sunrise. Put on clean clothes, and if possible, wear traditional colours.
• Set up your puja space with an idol or picture of a Naga Devta. You can use one made of silver, stone, clay, or even a painting on the wall.
• Offer milk (abhishekam) to the serpent deity, along with turmeric, sandalwood paste, and flowers.
• You can also use turmeric or sandalwood paste to draw snake designs near your doorways to help protect your home.
• Chant Naga mantras and read the Nag Panchami Vrat Katha, which tells the story behind the festival.
• Fast from sunrise to sunset. Many people have one meal the day before (Chaturthi) and then fast during the festival.
• Offerings like kheer or sabudana khichdi are common, while fried and salty foods are usually avoided.
• In some areas, people used to feed real snakes with milk, but wildlife experts now suggest offering milk to idols instead, since milk is not natural for snakes and can harm them.
• The main serpent deities worshipped on this day are Anant, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Kuleer, Karkata, and Shankha.

Nag Panchami Special Food

Food traditions for Nag Panchami are different across India. In some areas, people make simple vegetarian meals and traditional sweets.

Dishes like kheer, puris, ladoos, and other homemade foods are common, depending on local customs.

Those who fast usually have fruits, milk, or other foods allowed during the fast.

There is no single dish that everyone eats on this day, since it depends on the region and each family's traditions.

What Not to Do on Nag Panchami

• On Nag Panchami, do not harm snakes, as the festival encourages respect for these reptiles and acknowledges their role in both nature and the spiritual world.
• Causing harm to them on this day is believed to bring bad karma.
• Avoid non-vegetarian food, including eggs.
• It is believed that avoiding these foods helps purify the body and keeps negative energy away.
• Dirt and clutter are considered negative influences that can hinder the puja's positive vibrations. Make sure you keep your home clutter-free.
• Tidying your living space is essential to maintain harmony and peace in the house during the festival.

Nag Panchami Celebrations in India

Maharashtra

During Nag Panchami, people worship snake idols and offer offerings such as milk, flowers, turmeric, and rice.

Many choose to fast and take part in special pujas, praying for their family's well-being and safety.

In rural areas, people decorate and worship anthills. The festival includes traditional songs, dances, fairs, and temple rituals. On this day, people also avoid digging the soil.

Uttar Pradesh and North India

In the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, people take to the temple steps milk, bananas, and incense.

In Punjab, the festival is called Guga Naumi and commemorates a folk hero believed to protect people from snake bites.

The Tharu people of the Terai, who inhabit the forests, refer to the day as Lakhpance. Their festivities combine Sanskrit traditions with their own customs.

Although they do not adhere strictly to the lunar calendar, they still make an effort to show respect to the nagas.

Karnataka

Snakes play a significant role in Hindu culture in Karnataka. During Nag Panchami, people mark the occasion with large feasts and special dishes such as kartihya kadubu, a savoury rice-flour dumpling filled with a spicy coconut filling, and paal kozhukkat, rice-flour dumplings cooked in sweetened coconut milk.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the festival of Nag Panchami is also referred to as Addi Perukku or Adi Fridays; on this occasion, women offer prayers and perform rituals at anthills, which are generally believed to be the homes of snakes, and, in celebration, people make a traditional sweet known as paal kozahukattai.

West Bengal and Eastern India

In West Bengal, people honour Manasa Devi, the goddess who is believed to control snakes and bring fertility.

At night, her stories are told through a blend of poetry and cautionary tales.

Other Regional Traditions

Different states and communities have their own ways of observing Nag Panchami. Some organise temple celebrations, while others focus on family puja at home.

These regional differences make Nag Panchami a diverse festival while keeping its central theme of respect for Nagas and nature.

Nag Panchami’s Connection With Nature

One of the most meaningful aspects of Nag Panchami is its connection with nature.

Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem. They help maintain balance by controlling the population of rodents and other animals. This is especially important in farming areas.

The festival takes place during the rainy season, when snakes may be forced out of their underground homes because of water. This natural connection may have helped strengthen the tradition of snake worship during this period.

Nag Panchami offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of wildlife and the need to coexist with animals.

Conclusion

Nag Panchami is a festival that combines religious beliefs, mythology, culture, and respect for nature. It is associated with the worship of Nagas and has strong connections with Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and several Hindu stories.

The festival is celebrated through puja, prayers, fasting, temple visits, traditional food, and regional customs. While the methods may differ across India, the central message remains one of respect and protection.

Nag Panchami also reminds us that snakes are an important part of nature. Celebrating the festival responsibly means respecting religious traditions while also protecting wildlife and avoiding harm to living creatures.