Nag Panchami is dedicated to the worship of Nagas, or Snakes, and is an important festival in India in Shravan month (July – August). Nag Panchami 2013 date is august 10. In 2013, it is highly auspicious as it falls on Monday dedicated to Shiva – one who is associated with Naga or serpents. Nagas are worshipped in Hindu religion and snakes are always depicted with Vishnu and Shiva, two of the most popular Gods in Hinduism. Hindu God Vishnu lies on Snake Ananta in the milky ocean and Shiva has snakes as ornament and this close association has deep symbolic meaning.
Naga Panchami in Various Parts of India
Naga Panchami is observed in eastern parts of India on all the fifth day in Ashar and Shravan lunar fortnights
The most important Naga Panchami, which is observed through out India, falls on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Shravan month.
The Karnataka the festival is known as Nagara Panchami - in Shravan Month.
In Gujarat, the festival is observed 15 days later.
In Andhra Pradesh, the most popular festival associated with Nagas is the Nagula Chavithi in Kartik Month.
In Kerala, it is observed on the Ayilyam Nakshatram in certain months in Malayalam Calendar
Nag Panchami Fasting
Hindus observe Naga Panchami Vrata on the day – fast during the daytime and eat food only after sunset. Some Hindu communities avoid salt and deep fried food on the day. In western part of India certain Hindus fast on NagaChaturthi day, which falls a day before.
Some Hindu communities in South India have an elaborate oil bath on the day. There is a belief that unmarried women who undertake Naga Panchami Vrat and do the puja to Nagas will get good husbands.
Popular belief is that Sri Krishna defeated snake Kaliya on Naga Panchami day.
The monsoon season is at its peak during the period (July – August) and snakes move out of their burrows, which are filled with water, and occupy spaces frequented by human beings. So it is widely believed that Naga Panchami is observed to please the Nagas and avoid snake bites during this season.
In many places, paintings of two snakes are drawn on both sides of doors using cow dung on the day. Five-hooded idols are worshipped in many regions. The idol of five-hooded snake is made using mud, turmeric, sandal and saffron.
Caution - Snakes Do Not Drink Milk
During Nag Panchami, some people also decorate snake pits, known as Valmeekam or Puttu. Snake charmers also bring cobras to villages and towns which are fed with milk by devotees. Such practices should not be encouraged as it endangers the life of snakes.
Forcefully feeding snakes, pouring milk into snake pits and bursting crackers should be discouraged. This only leads to the death of snakes. Snakes don’t drink milk but the practice has been encouraged by popular beliefs.
Worship of Nagas is a constant reminder to humans to live in harmony with Nature. And the ideal way to worship Nagas is by protecting the forests and grooves that are home of snakes and other animals – this in turn protect us and makes our life comfortable.
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