Nag Panchami: When it is, and why is it celebrated

Hindus observe Nag Panchami on the Shukla Paksha Panchami during the month of Sravana, usually in July or August. In this festival, snakes are worshipped across temples in India and Nepal. It is believed that one who worships snakes on this day gets rid of the fear of serpents.

Nag Panchami date and Pooja timing
This year, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on August 2, 2022. The tithi will start from 5:13 am on August 2 and end at 5:41 m on August 3. The worship period during nag panchami is between 05:43 am to 08:25 am on August 2.

Legend behind Nag Panchami
There are several stories related to this festival. According to one belief, while Lord Krishna was playing near the Yamuna river, the ball fell in. As he stepped into the waters, Krishna was attacked by Kaliya nag. Lord Krishna defeated Kaliya nag, and the snake and his wives begged for his life after realising Krishna was no ordinary child. Krishna spared his life after a promise from him that he will no longer harass the residents of Gokul. Nag Panchami is observed to celebrate Krishna's victory over Kaliya nag.


According to another story, Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, had arranged a Nag Yagya to take revenge on snakes as his father Parikshit was killed by Takshak. The son of Rishi Jaratkaru, Aastik Muni, stopped this Yajna. The day he stopped the Yajna was Shravan Shukla Panchami.

Significance of Nag Panchami
People worship snakes in an effort to appease Lord Shiva, who carries a cobra around his neck. Devotees worship live cobras on Nag Panchami Day and offer them milk and other things.

On this day, devotees also refrain from digging the earth.

According to the Hindu scriptures, Nagas rule and live in Patal Loka. There are a total of twelve famous Nagas. Goddess Mansa is the mother of all Nagas, and she is the sister of Vasuki.