Festival · July–August

Nag Panchami

Serpents, the nagas, are honoured on the Shukla Panchami of Shravana.

Nagas have a place throughout Hindu tradition, from the serpent Shesha on whom Vishnu rests to Vasuki around Shiva’s neck. On Nag Panchami, images of serpents are worshipped at home and at anthills and temples, and many households avoid digging or ploughing the earth for the day.

Why it is kept

It acknowledges the snakes that share the monsoon fields with farmers, asking protection for the family.

Step by step

How to observe it

Worship an image of a naga
Images in stone, silver or clay, or drawings at the doorway, are offered flowers, turmeric and rice.
Do not feed milk to live snakes
Offer milk to images only. Snakes cannot digest milk, and captured snakes brought for the festival suffer.
Leave the earth undisturbed
Many families avoid ploughing, digging or cutting vegetables for the day.

Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.

Fasting

Some women fast for the day for the family’s protection.

Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.