According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated on the Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan. On this day, Nag Devta (serpent deity) is especially worshipped. In the year 2025, this festival will fall on Tuesday, July 29th. The Panchami Tithi will begin on this day at 5:24 AM and end at 12:46 AM. Considering this Tithi as auspicious, Nag Devta is worshipped.
Importance of Nag Panchami in Sawan
The month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and serpents reside around Shiva's neck. For this reason, Nag Panchami is also associated with Shiva devotion. It is believed that worshipping snakes on this day protects the family from the ill effects of Sarpadosh (serpent curse) and prevents serpent-related mishaps. Women especially pray for the long life of their family and brothers and observe a fast on this day.
Twelve Prominent Serpents are Worshipped on this Day
On the day of Nag Panchami, there is a tradition of worshipping 12 special serpents. The names of these serpents are Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padma, Kambala, Karkotaka, Ashvatara, Dhritarashtra, Shankhapala, Kaliya, Takshaka, and Pingala.
Remembering these serpents, water, milk, flowers, sandalwood, and incense are offered to them. In some rural areas, an image of a serpent is made with cow dung on the wall or door of the house and worshipped.
How to Perform Nag Panchami Puja
Take a Vow of Fasting
Wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Take a vow to fast and meditate on Lord Shiva.
Establish an Idol or Picture of Nag Devta
On the day of Nag Panchami, install an idol of Nag Devta made of clay or metal at the main entrance of the house or in the place of worship. In villages, there is also a tradition of making a serpent with cow dung and worshipping it.
Bathe Nag Devta and Offer Bhog (Offerings)
Bathe Nag Devta with Panchamrit (milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar). After that, offer him sandalwood, akshat (rice), kusha grass, durva grass, flowers, and sweets.
Keep Puja Samagri (Worship Items) Ready
Be sure to keep incense, lamp, roli (vermilion), mauli (sacred thread), a vessel of water, fruits, sweets, and Panchamrit for the puja. Perform the Aarti of Nag Devta and chant special puja mantras.
Nag Panchami Puja Mantra
It is considered auspicious to chant a special mantra on this day. The mantra given below is a prayer to the serpents.
सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथ्वीतले।
ये च हेलिमरीचिस्था येऽन्तरे दिवि संस्थिताः॥
ये नदीषु महानागा ये सरस्वतिगामिनः।
ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः॥
(Sarve Nagah Preeyantam Me Ye Kechit Prithivitale.
Ye Cha Helimarichistha Ye’ntare Divi Samsthitaah.
Ye Nadishu Mahanaga Ye Saraswatigaminah.
Ye Cha Vapitadageshu Teshu Sarveshu Vai Namah.)
(May all the serpents be pleased with me, those that are on the earth.
Those that are in the rays of the sun, those that are situated in the sky.
Those great serpents that are in the rivers, those that go to the Saraswati.
Those that are in wells and ponds, salutations to all of them.)
Listen to Nag Katha (Serpent Stories)
It is also considered auspicious to read or listen to Nag Katha on the day of Nag Panchami. This story tells about the origin of snakes, their glory, and the beliefs associated with their worship.
Where are Special Events Held?
Nag Panchami has special significance in many parts of North India. Special events are held in temples in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan on this day. Special prayers are offered to Nag Devta in Shiva temples like Ujjain, Kashi, and Nageshwar.
Different Styles of Nag Worship in Rural Traditions
In rural areas, women make serpent figures with cow dung on the doors or walls of the house on this day. Then, they offer milk and sweets there and perform Aarti. In some places, the idol of Nag Devta is slightly buried in the ground and worshipped, and water, flowers, and rice are offered to him.
Why is the Earth Not Dug on this Day?
Digging the soil on the day of Nag Panchami is considered inauspicious. It is believed that the serpents living inside the earth come out on this day, and digging may cause them pain. Therefore, fields are not plowed, and construction work is also stopped.
How to Observe the Fast
Women fast throughout the day on Nag Panchami. After offering prayers to Nag Devta in the evening, after taking fruits, the fast is broken.
Nag Panchami and Folk Beliefs
According to folk beliefs, worshipping on Nag Panchami removes the fear of serpents, and peace and happiness remain in the family. In many homes, dishes made of milk, rice, and jaggery are prepared on this day, and donations are also given to the needy.