Naag Panchami is a Hindu traditional festival celebrated on the fifth day of the fifteen days of the moon’s waning. In the month of Shravan (July/August). The name Naag means serpent, and Panchami means the fifth day. On this day, people worship snake deities or real snakes in some cases. They offer milk, flowers, and sweets to the snakes.

History of Naag Panchmi.

Due to various beliefs and stories, serpents are believed as Gods. According to Hindu mythology, Naag Devta is placed around the neck of Lord Shiva. And it is believed that worshipping Naag Dev will remove all the troubles from one’s life.

The snakes are also related to Lord Krishna as per Hindu mythology. It is said that Lord Krishna defeated the snake Kaaliya and also played the flute while dancing on his head. Apart from this belief, worshipping snakes on this auspicious day brings good fate and prosperity to the devotees.

Folklore of Naag Panchmi.

This festival is celebrated across the country but is mostly seen in Maharashtra and Mumbai. Stories also say that people suffering from Kaal Sarp dosh can get relief. From the negative effects of dosh by worshipping snakes. Thus, many Hindus also purchase snake idols made of silver, stones, or wood on this day. Also, some people bring home some snake paintings on this special day.

As per historical significance, the clan named Nagas lived in India and the Nagas used to worship snakes as their God. They were highly famous, and after the Naga culture, many accepted snake deities as their gods. The prominent Cobra snake, as mentioned in Hindu mythology, is worshipped the most. Some snakes, namely Anant, Vasuki, Kalia, Shesh Padma, etc. were considered as Snake Gods. Also believed that they were Snake Kings of the ancient kingdom.

Another story states that the thousand-headed Shesh Naag. On whom Lord Vishnu rests holds the entire spherical earth on his head.

The importance and significance of Nag Devtas and this festival are also visible in the Ajanta caves. Where the snake rituals are very prominent and the Nag Devtas are being worshipped.

Celebration and Puja of Naag Panchmi

As the festival is considered very auspicious and popular in Hindu mythology. The devotees throng the temples to offer milk to the Nag devta or the snake God. Therefore, praying for well-being and prosperity and to keep the negative and evil eye away. The Hindu ritual is performed on Panchmi tithi and several people keep fast on this auspicious day. People consume only fruits, milk and light vegetarian food. The Prasad is offered to God and it also contains milk.

Therefore, Naag Panchmi is a highly observed festival of the Hindu religion. Moreover, snakes have had an important sign of God in Hindu mythology for ages. Therefore, Naag Panchmi is equally important as other religious festivals. Nevertheless, it has many stories and folklore revolving around it since ancient times. Be it the Naga clan or the snake deities. It’s all about one’s belief, faith, and worship to perform and practice such a holy ritual.