Nag Panchami 2026 date: Check puja muharat, rituals and important dos and don’ts

Nag Panchami 2026 will be observed on Monday, August 17, during the holy month of Sawan. The festival is dedicated to Nag Devta, or serpent deities, and is also closely associated with Lord Shiva, who is traditionally depicted with a snake around his neck.

Observed on the Panchami Tithi of Sawan, Nag Panchami is considered an important day for worshipping serpent deities. Devotees pray for protection, family well-being, good health and relief from fear. Some also perform rituals seeking relief from the effects of Sarpa Dosha and blessings for their children.

Nag Panchami 2026 Date and Puja Muhurat

Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Monday, August 17, 2026. The Panchami Tithi begins at 4:52 PM on August 16 and ends at 5:00 PM on August 17.


The Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat is from 5:51 AM to 8:29 AM on August 17. The auspicious period lasts for 2 hours and 38 minutes.

Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi

Devotees should wake up early, take a bath and clean the puja area before wearing fresh clothes. An image or idol of Nag Devta can be placed in the puja area. Those who wish to visit a temple or worship near an anthill should do so only where it is safe and permitted.

For the puja, devotees can arrange water, milk, turmeric, sandalwood paste, flowers, rice, durva grass and sweets. A diya and incense can also be lit.

Mantras such as “Om Nag Devta Namah” or “Om Namah Shivaya” may be recited during the puja. Since Sawan is considered sacred to Lord Shiva, devotees may also offer water and belpatra to a Shivling.

Important Niyam for Nag Panchami

Devotees are advised to keep their minds calm and avoid anger, harsh words, lies and negative thoughts. Many people observe a simple fast or follow a sattvik diet on this day.

Customs vary across regions and families. Some devotees avoid rice, grains, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food and alcohol. People may also donate money, food or other items according to their capacity.

In several regions, farmers and households avoid digging or disturbing the soil on Nag Panchami. The practice is traditionally associated with respecting nature and protecting snakes.

What Not to Do on Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is a day to worship and respect serpent deities, not to harm or disturb real snakes. Devotees should never try to catch, tease or force-feed a snake.

Many traditions also discourage digging the earth, using sharp tools in the soil or cutting trees on this day. Puja offerings should be fresh, and dirty water or stale food should not be offered.

Devotees should also avoid pouring milk into snake holes. Instead, milk can be offered symbolically at a temple or before an image or idol of Nag Devta.

Nag Panchami is traditionally observed as a day of devotion, respect for living beings and reverence for nature.