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Festival Profile

Nag Panchami

Worship of serpents, sacred to the Nagas, for protection and blessings.

All festivals

Nag Panchami is the festival of the worship of serpents, sacred to the Nagas, for protection and blessing.

Stories behind the festival

The serpent gods

In Hindu tradition, serpents are worshipped as divine beings. The thousand-hooded Shesha supports the universe, Vasuki was used in the churning of the ocean, and Shiva wears a serpent around his neck. Nag Panchami honours them.
Puranic tradition

Why we celebrate

Nag Panchami is the festival of the worship of serpents, sacred to the Nagas, for protection and blessing.
Puranic tradition

When

Nag Panchami falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight of Shravana (July-August).

Since when it is followed

Naga worship is ancient, and Nag Panchami has been observed for centuries.
Ancient tradition

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Hindus across India, especially in villages and in Maharashtra and South India.

Origin

The origin is the worship of Nagas (serpents), rooted in the Puranas and the protection of the snake-gods.
Puranic Naga worship

Key deities

The Nagas (serpent deities), especially Shesha, Vasuki and the serpent forms of Shiva.

How to celebrate

Offer milk, sweets and flowers to images or live snakes, and in some regions visit snake temples.

Rituals & offerings

Nag puja, offering of milk and flowers, and the worship of the serpent deity.

Key facts

On Nag Panchami, farmers do not plough their fields out of respect for snakes.
Regional tradition