Nag Panchami 2025 | Date | Day | celebrations |Significance & Legend

What is Nag Panchami, Why is it celebrated in Hinduism? 

By Intimate Viewpoint

Nag Panchami is one of the most unique and spiritually significant festivals in Hindu tradition. Observed annually on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Shravana (July–August), this festival is dedicated to the worship of Nāgas or serpent deities. In 2025, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 29.

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The festival holds great religious, mythological, and cultural significance, especially in parts of India, Nepal, and some Southeast Asian countries. From ancient temples to village courtyards, serpents are venerated with offerings of milk, flowers, sweets, and prayers.

Who Are the Nagas?

In Hinduism, Nāgas are divine serpentine beings that reside in the netherworld (Patal Lok) and also have influence over the earthly realm. They are considered guardians of water sources, wealth, and fertility. The word “Nāga” literally means serpent or snake in Sanskrit.

Prominent Nagas in Hindu Mythology:

Ananta or Shesha Nāga: The infinite cosmic serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests.

Vasuki: The serpent used as a churning rope during the Samudra Manthan.

Takshaka: A powerful Naga king who appears in the Mahabharata.

Karkotaka, Padma, Mahapadma, Shankhpal, Kulik, and Pingala are other notable serpents mentioned in scriptures.

Mythological Significance of Nag Panchami

Mahabharata Connection

One of the most famous legends comes from the Mahabharata. After King Parikshit was bitten by the serpent Takshaka and died, his son Janamejaya organized a massive Sarpasatra (snake sacrifice) to avenge his father. Many serpents were killed in the sacrificial fire. However, due to the intervention of a sage named Astika, the yajna was stopped, and the remaining snakes were spared. This incident is believed to have occurred on the day of Nag Panchami, and hence the day is celebrated to honor and appease serpent deities.

 Lord Krishna and Kaliya Naag

Another popular legend is the subduing of the venomous serpent Kaliya by Lord Krishna. As a child, Krishna jumped into the Yamuna River and danced on Kaliya’s many heads, forcing the serpent to leave the river. This act symbolized the victory of divine power over evil and poison. Nag Panchami commemorates this divine event.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

 Protective Blessings

Snakes are believed to possess great spiritual energy. Worshipping them on Nag Panchami is said to protect one from snakebites, bad omens, and ill health. In agrarian communities, serpents are worshipped to protect crops from pests and ensure good rainfall.

 Connection with Nature

Nag Panchami promotes harmony between humans and animals. By respecting the snake, a creature often feared, the festival teaches ecological balance and coexistence.

 Astrological Importance

In Vedic astrology, the Kala Sarpa Dosha is considered an inauspicious planetary alignment. Worship of Nagas on this day is believed to nullify the negative effects of such yogas and bring peace, prosperity, and relief from obstacles in life.

How is Nag Panchami Celebrated?

Nag Panchami is celebrated with great devotion in different parts of India, each with its own regional customs and rituals. Here are the common practices:

Puja Rituals

Snakes (real or symbolic) are worshipped with milk, turmeric, vermillion (kumkum), flowers, rice, sweets, and sandalwood paste.

Women draw images of serpents on walls or floors using sandal paste or cow dung and offer prayers.

Fasting (Vrat) is observed by many devotees, especially women, to seek protection and family well-being.

Feeding Snakes

In rural areas, snake charmers bring live cobras in baskets.

These snakes are worshipped and fed milk and sweets. However, this practice is discouraged now due to animal rights concerns.

Temple Visits

Devotees visit Naga temples, such as the Nagoba Temple in Maharashtra, Mannarasala Temple in Kerala, and Nag Basuki Temple in Prayagraj, to offer prayers.

In South India, stone or silver idols of serpents are bathed in milk and decorated with flowers.

Songs and Dances

Folk songs and dances are performed in many villages celebrating Nag Devta.

Women sing traditional songs that express devotion to the serpent gods and ask for their blessings.

Nag Panchami Celebrations Across India

North India

In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, women make clay or drawing representations of Nagas and offer milk and rice.

Devotees often offer worship near ant-hills, as they are considered snake dwellings.

Maharashtra

Nag Panchami is celebrated on a grand scale in rural Maharashtra. Villagers worship live cobras, and snake charmers play a central role.

Special sweets like Puran Poli are prepared.

South India

In Kerala, the Mannarasala Temple is the main center of Nag Panchami celebrations, where women offer turmeric and milk to over 30,000 serpent idols.

In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, elaborate pujas and rituals are conducted.

West Bengal and Assam

The festival is observed with local rituals involving Manasa Devi, the goddess of snakes.

In Bengal, Nag Panchami often overlaps with Manasa Puja, where devotees worship her to protect from snakebites.

Do's and Don'ts on Nag Panchami

✅ Do’s:

Offer milk and flowers to Naga idols or ant-hills respectfully.

Observe fasting and pray with a clean heart.

Recite or listen to Nag Panchami Katha (traditional story).

Chant Nag Gayatri Mantra or Sarp Suktam for protection.

❌ Don’ts:

Avoid digging soil or cutting trees on this day, as it may disturb serpent homes.

Do not harm any snakes or reptiles.

Avoid fried or non-vegetarian food during the vrat.

Avoid sleeping during the day if you’re observing a fast.

Nag Panchami Katha (Story)

The Nag Panchami Katha varies regionally, but a common story told is of a farmer’s son who accidentally kills a few baby snakes while plowing the field. The mother serpent takes revenge by killing the entire family. The youngest daughter-in-law, a devotee of Nag Devta, performs intense puja and seeks forgiveness. Pleased with her devotion, the Nag brings the family back to life and blesses them.

This story symbolizes the power of faith and repentance, and the merciful nature of Nag Devta when approached with devotion.

Mantras to Chant on Nag Panchami

 Nag Devta Mantra:

ॐ नमः सर्पेभ्यः ये के च पृथ्वीमनु।

ये अंतरिक्षे ये दिवि तेभ्यः सर्पेभ्यो नमः।।

Om Namah Sarpebhya Ye Ke Cha Prithvimanu,

Ye Antarikshe Ye Divi Tebhyah Sarpebhyo Namah॥

Nag Gayatri Mantra:

ॐ फणिनायकाय विद्महे विषदन्ताय धीमहि।

तन्नो सर्पः प्रचोदयात्॥

Om Phaninayakaya Vidmahe Vishadantaya Dhimahi,

Tanno Sarpah Prachodayat॥

Interesting Facts About Nag Panchami

The festival is one of the oldest snake worship traditions in the world.

It has roots in Indus Valley Civilization, where snake motifs were found on seals.

It emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth—a belief closely associated with serpents.

Nepal celebrates this day with great zeal, with families drawing serpents on doors and worshipping stone idols.

Conclusion

Nag Panchami 2025, falling on Thursday, July 31, is a spiritually rich festival that blends mythology, ecology, and tradition. It is not merely a day to worship snakes but a time to reflect on our relationship with nature, practice gratitude, and seek protection from adversities. Whether you are religious, spiritual, or simply interested in India’s vibrant culture, Nag Panchami offers a profound glimpse into the enduring bond between mankind and the mystical serpent.

Let us celebrate with devotion, respect for nature, and the realization that even the most feared creatures deserve reverence.