Naag Panchami 2020

When: 25th July 2020
Where: All over India

The festival of Nag/Naag Panchami is dedicated to the worship of snakes. It is celebrated all across India at the peak of the monsoon- the time when snakes are most likely to be around- and takes the form of prayers to the snake god for protection from snakebite. Specific pujas differ from one part of the country to another; in some places, live snakes are worshipped; in others, an image or a dough effigy of a snake is revered. The worship generally includes bathing a snake (or its idol) with milk, to the accompaniment of the music played by a snake charmer. Needless to say this is one day when snake charmers are in great demand!

Celebrated on the bright fifth day of the Shravan month, Nag Panchami is believed to be one of the most auspicious days of the year. It holds immense significance in the Hindu mythology as ‘SheshNaag’, the thousand-headed snake on which Lord Vishnu reclines in the sea. Simultaneously, Lord Shiva, who is believed to be very fond of snakes- so much so that he is depicted with a snake around his neck, is also worshipped.

Snakes are worshipped with great devotion and are offered prayers on Nag Panchami. A day long fast is observed in almost all regions in India. Devotees carry milk and turmeric powder to the temple as offerings for the idol. It is believed that doing so ensures freedom from danger of snakebites. If a snake drinks milk, then it is considered to bring good fortune. In some places, snakes are given bath in milk and offered rice, too.

In Punjab, a large snake idol is taken around places, often accompanied by singing, dancing and merry-making. In the end it is buried to mark the end of the ritual. In Bengal, Mansa (The Queen of Snakes) is worshipped, generally by women. Raw milk and green bananas are offered by the devotees.

On this day, some snake charmers carry snakes in earthen pots only to release them in various temples where they are worshipped. The festivities for Nag Panchami continue throughout the day, with fairs, music and dance, magic shows and gymnastic feats being among the major highlights.

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