We are celebrating Nag Panchami on August 9 this year. It is an annual celebration on the fifth day of the Shravan month in the Hindu calendar. The day is only observed during the Shukla Paksha, the time when the moon waxes. The day is about worshiping the snake gods for removing karmic and astrological imbalances from life. People symbolically feed milk to snakes during the day, hoping that it will cure the astrological imbalance and save the family from evil. Some people also fast during the day and offer gifts to those in need. This year, let us be a part of this celebration.
History of Nag Panchami
Hinduism is one of the major world religions. After Christianity and Islam, it has the third-largest adherent base. It is called “Santana Dharma” by those who follow it. Strictly speaking, Hinduism is not a religion but rather a way of life that combines culture, tradition, mythology, philosophy, and beliefs that were present throughout the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism does not have a founder, an organized and centralized administrative structure, or a strict code for its followers. Hinduism is full of festivals and colors because it worships a large number of gods.
Nag Panchami is an important and auspicious day for Hindus. The most popular origin story for the day is from the Hindu epic “Mahabharata.” Takshaka, the king of snakes, bites Parikshit, the king of the Kuru empire. Sarpasatra is conducted by Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, to avenge his father’s death. Sarpasatra is a powerful ritual to attract and pull snakes from the entire world to the yajna flames and kill them all.
Takshaka, fearing for his life, seeks protection from the devas. But the ritual was so strong that nothing was able to stop Takshaka. Manasadevi sends her son Astika to negotiate to resolve the crisis and save the snake species from certain extinction. Astika impressed Janmejaya with his knowledge and convinced him to stop the ritual, thus saving Takshaka. The day is celebrated as Nag Panchami. Devotees believe that praying to snakes on this day can bring prosperity and remove evil.
Nag Panchami timeline
The Vedas, the most prominent Hindu sacred texts, are composed.
Composing of Upanishads, sacred treaties that explain complex Vedic concepts, come into existence.
Composing of Puranas, sacred and influential stories, and mythologies of Hindu culture start surfacing.
Mundeshwari Temple, the oldest and still working temple, is constructed in Bihar.
Nag Panchami FAQs
What is Nag Panchami?
Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated annually to worship snake deities.
Which god is worshipped on Nag Panchami?
Nag Devta is the key figure of worship during Nag Panchami. The day is also special for Lord Shiva.
Why do we offer milk to snakes?
In India, certain Hindu traditions offer milk to snakes. This is a ritual to negate the astrological imbalance caused by Kal Sarpa Dosh.
Nag Panchami Activities
Pray to the dieties
Naga devatas (snake gods) are worshipped throughout the Indian subcontinent. Pray to the gods for wellbeing and prosperity.
Help an N.G.O.
It is okay even if you do not believe in snake gods and traditions. Try to donate to an N.G.O. working for the welfare of snakes and other animals.
Participate in fasting
Many people avoid food on this day and fast. Join in the fasting and make sure you feed those who are hungry during the time.
5 Facts About Hinduism That You Should Know
Oldest book
The Rigveda is one of the oldest written books in the world.
Sacred number
108 is a sacred number for the Hindus.
Religion size
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world.
Oldest religion
Hinduism is the oldest and still existing modern religion.
Largest human gathering
The "Kumbh Mela," a Hindu festival that happens every 12 years, is the largest human gathering on the Earth.
Why We Love Nag Panchami
It helps conserve snakes
Snakes are being killed every day due to a fear that they might bite people and cause harm. But most snakes are non-venomous and do not pose any threat. This day can help raise awareness about snakes and their potential benefits and hazards.
We love celebrations
Celebrations are what we live for. Take some time out and celebrate this day!
Good for maintaining bonds
This is also a day for fasting and gifting. Gifting can help develop a bond, and we love that.
Nag Panchami dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 2 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | August 21 | Monday |
| 2024 | August 9 | Friday |
| 2025 | July 29 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August 17 | Monday |
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