In India, Nag Panchami is celebrated every year on July 29th. This is an important festival in Hindu tradition, associated with the worship and respect of Nag deities (serpents). On this day, people offer milk, flowers, and sweets to the snakes, praying for protection, prosperity, and blessings.
Religious Significance of Nag Panchami
The festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated every year in the month of Sawan. On this day, people worship the Nag deity and offer them milk, flowers, and sweets. It is believed that doing so protects the family from evil forces and increases happiness and prosperity in life. This tradition conveys the message of respecting nature and all its creatures. According to ancient beliefs, snakes protect water sources and the earth's wealth. For this reason, they are considered a symbol of protection and power. Even today, people do not harm snakes on this day, but only worship them symbolically, which maintains a feeling of compassion and kindness towards animals.
Why is this Festival Celebrated?
During the rainy season, snakes are often seen more in fields and villages. In ancient times, farmers worshiped the Nag deity to protect themselves from snakes and to protect their fields. Gradually, this tradition took a religious form, and today this festival is considered a symbol of the relationship between humans and nature. People believe that worshiping the Nag deity prevents any misfortune from befalling the family and maintains peace and happiness in the house. The purpose of this festival is not only religious but also social, as it gives us the message of balance and coexistence with every living being.
Worship Method of Nag Panchami
- Offering Milk, Flowers, and Sweets – Offer to the idol of the Nag deity in the temple or at home.
- Making a Picture or Idol of a Snake – If there is no temple nearby, worship by making an idol of silver, wood, or clay.
- Making Rangoli – Many people make serpent-themed rangoli at the door of their house, which is considered auspicious.
- Listening to the Story – Listening to and narrating the story of Krishna and Kaliya Nag on this day is a tradition.
Is it Right to Feed Milk to a Real Snake?
In the old tradition, people used to offer milk to live snakes, but today wildlife experts and environmentalists do not consider it right.
- Snakes do not drink milk; it spoils their health.
- It can also be dangerous.
- Therefore, now emphasis is placed on symbolic worship.
Mythological Tales of Nag Panchami
- The Story of Krishna and Kaliya Nag – Shri Krishna saved people by defeating Kaliya Nag, who was spreading poison in the Yamuna River. This incident is a symbol of the victory of good over evil.
- The Story of Mahabharata – King Janamejaya wanted to destroy all the serpents by performing a Yagya to avenge his father's death from a snake bite. Only then did Rishi Aastik stop him. That day is celebrated as Nag Panchami.
Historical Aspect of Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is a festival that tells us that in ancient times people used to respect every living being of nature. Especially when farming started, farmers were afraid of snakes in the fields. At that time, instead of harming them, they started worshiping them as protectors. This tradition gives us the message that the relationship between humans and nature will remain b only when we give importance to every living being. If we protect the environment and animals, our life will also be safe and balanced.
Nag Panchami in Modern Times
Today, understanding the environment and wildlife conservation, people celebrate this festival in a more safe and scientific way.
- Avoid catching or disturbing snakes.
- Visit temples and only perform symbolic worship.
- Make eco-friendly rangoli and decorations.
What Does Nag Panchami Teach Us?
Nag Panchami teaches us that every living being has its own importance. Snakes reduce the number of rats in the fields, which keeps the crop safe. This festival tells us that we should live together with all living beings. This day reminds us to maintain the balance of nature. If we respect the environment and animals, life will be more safe and happy.
The festival of Nag Panchami teaches us that every living being in nature has its own importance and we should live in balance with them. This tradition not only strengthens religious faith but also reminds us that creatures like snakes are essential for the environment. In today's time, there is a need that while celebrating this festival, we should give the message of protecting animals and birds without harming them and adopt coexistence.
