Nag Panchami नाग पंचमी
Falls on Shravana Shukla Panchami · usually July–August
Nag Panchami is celebrated on Shravana Shukla Panchami, usually in July–August. It is observed for protection from snakebite and snake-related doshas, and to honour the Nagas for family well-being and progeny.
Nag Panchami at a glance
| Falls on | Shravana Shukla Panchami |
| Usual month | July–August |
| Category | Festival |
The story behind Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami worships the serpent gods (Nagas), including Shesha, Vasuki and Takshaka. Serpents are associated with Shiva, with Vishnu’s cosmic couch, and with fertility and protection of the earth’s treasures.
Significance of Nag Panchami
It is observed for protection from snakebite and snake-related doshas, and to honour the Nagas for family well-being and progeny.
How Nag Panchami is celebrated
- Offering milk, water and flowers to snake idols, images or anthills
- Worship of Nag Devta and drawing serpent images at the doorway
- Fasting and abstaining from digging, ploughing or frying on this day
- Visiting Naga temples
Regional variations
Especially prominent in Maharashtra, South India and Nepal; observed on Shravana Shukla Panchami in most regions.
Festive foods of Nag Panchami
Traditional dishes prepared for Nag Panchami include steamed and boiled foods (frying is avoided), kheer.
Quick tips
- Offer milk and prayers to Nag Devta
- Avoid digging or ploughing the earth on this day
Choosing the muhurat on Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami falls on Shravana Shukla Panchami. To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Nag Panchami celebrated?
Nag Panchami falls on Shravana Shukla Panchami in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in July–August. The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
Why is Nag Panchami celebrated?
Nag Panchami worships the serpent gods (Nagas), including Shesha, Vasuki and Takshaka. Serpents are associated with Shiva, with Vishnu’s cosmic couch, and with fertility and protection of the earth’s treasures.
How is Nag Panchami observed?
Common observances include Offering milk, water and flowers to snake idols, images or anthills; Worship of Nag Devta and drawing serpent images at the doorway; Fasting and abstaining from digging, ploughing or frying on this day; Visiting Naga temples.
How is Nag Panchami celebrated in different regions?
Especially prominent in Maharashtra, South India and Nepal; observed on Shravana Shukla Panchami in most regions.
What foods are made for Nag Panchami?
Traditional dishes include steamed and boiled foods (frying is avoided), kheer.