The festival of Snake God popularly known as Nag Panchami will be celebrated on July 25 this year. The festival is observed in India and Nepal on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Shravan during the monsoon season.
According to myths and legends, the abode of snakes is Patal Loka and on this day they are called upon for their blessings and the welfare of the family. Serpent deities made of silver, wood, stone, or even paintings are offered milk on this day.
Significance of Nag Panchami:
The significance of Nag Panchami is to pacify the active snakes and discourage them from being a threat to humans during the rainy seasons when the snakes venture out of their hiding places because of the rain and floods. On this day, cobras and other snakes are fed with milk and are worshipped by lighting up lamps, decorating temples by flowers and offering sacrifices and sweets.Cobras have occupied a special place in Hindu mythology. In the honour of the Hindu snake God, Shesha Nag, Nag Panchami is celebrated in all corners of India.
Nag Panchami 2020 Tithi and Muhurat:
Nag Panchami Tithi: July 24, Friday
Time Starts: 2:34 PM
Puja Vidhi Muhurat: July 25, Saturday
Time Starts: 6:13 AM
Nag Panchami Tithi End Time: 12:02 PM
Although there are several serpent Gods, following twelve are worshipped during Nag Panchami Puja –
- Ananta
- Vasuki
- Shesha
- Padma
- Kambala
- Karkotaka
- Ashvatara
- Dhritarashtra
- Shankhapala
- Kaliya
- Takshaka
- Pingala
Nag Panchami Rituals:
Nag Panchami Vrat or fast is observed on the Panchami of the bright half of the month of Shravan. According to Garuda Puran, paintings of ‘Nag’ should be drawn on either side of the entrance (of the home) and worshipped. This is also known as ‘Bhitti Chitre Nag Puja’. Women offer food, laddoos, and kheer (typical dish made with a mixture of rice, milk, and sugar) to Brahmins. Similar food is also offered to snakes and snake charmers.
Important things to remember on Nag Panchami:
Turmeric should be specially used during nag puja. After paying incense, light, and puja material, the serpent deity should be offered sweets. It is believed that the land should not be excavated on this day. It is considered ominous to do so. It is said that the use of a needle should be avoided.
