Nag Panchami 2023: This year, we are celebrating Nag Panchami on August 21. It is an annual festivity held on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Shravan. The holiday is only celebrated during the Shukla Paksha, when the moon is waxing. The day is dedicated to honouring the serpent gods in order to rectify karmic and astrological imbalances. People feed milk to snakes symbolically during the day in the hope that it will correct the astrological imbalance and protect the family from evil. Some individuals also observe a daytime fast and donate to those in need. Let us take part in this celebration this year.
Nag Panchami 2023: HISTORY
Hinduism is one of the major religions of the globe. It has the third-largest adherent base after Christianity and Islam. It is referred to as “Santana Dharma” by its adherents. Strictly speaking, Hinduism is not a religion but rather a way of life that incorporates the Indian subcontinent’s culture, tradition, mythology, philosophy, and beliefs. Hinduism lacks a founder, a centralised administrative structure, and a stringent code of conduct for its adherents. Due to the large number of spirits venerated in Hinduism, the religion is rich in festivals and colours.
Hindus observe Nag Panchami as a significant and auspicious holiday. The Hindu epic Mahabharata contains the most well-known origin story at present. Takshaka, the serpent monarch, bites Parikshit, the ruler of the Kuru empire. Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, conducts the Sarpasatra to avenge his father’s murder. Sarpasatra is a potent ritual that draws and kills all snakes in the universe by luring them to the yajna flames.
Fearing for his life, Takshaka seeks the devas’ protection. However, the ritual was so powerful that nothing could stop Takshaka. Manasadevi dispatches her son Astika to resolve the crisis and save the serpent species from extinction through negotiations. Astika impressed Janmejaya with his knowledge and persuaded him to abandon the ritual, thereby saving Takshaka’s life. This day is known as Nag Panchami. On this day, devotees believe that praying to snakes will bring prosperity and ward off evil.
NAG PANCHAMI ACTIVITIES
Pray to the gods.
Throughout the Indian subcontinent, Naga devatas (snake spirits) are worshipped. Pray to the spirits for prosperity and well-being.
Assist an NGO.
Even if you do not believe in snake spirits and traditions, that is acceptable. Try to contribute to a non-governmental organisation working for the welfare of snakes and other animals.
Take part in fasting
On this day, many people abstain from sustenance and fast. Participate in the fast and ensure that those who are famished during the period are fed.
5 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HINDUISM
- The Rigveda is one of the world’s earliest written texts.
- Hindus consider the number 108 to be sacrosanct.
- The Hindu religion is the third largest in the globe.
- Hinduism is the earliest religion still in existence today.
- The Hindu festival “Kumbh Mela,” which occurs every 12 years, is the largest human assemblage on Earth.
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 |
