The great festival of Nag Panchami, celebrated on August 9, is a special occasion to worship the snake deities and show respect to them. Throughout the country, people celebrate this day with reverence and enthusiasm.
This year, on 09 August 2024, we will celebrate the Nag Panchami festival with great pomp and reverence. We specifically dedicate this festival to the worship of snake deities and to honor them. The Nag Panchami festival holds an important place in our Indian culture, and it is celebrated with great pomp all over the country.
Auspicious time of worship
This day’s auspicious time for worship will be from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. During this time period, you can worship the snake deity.
Mythological significance
Our ancient religious texts and Puranas mention Nag Panchami. It is believed that on this day Lord Krishna defeated Kalia Nag and forced him to leave the Yamuna River. We celebrate the Nag Panchami festival to commemorate this event. The snake deity is considered to be Shiva’s necklace, and worshiping him brings him blessings.
Puja Vidhi
Houses undergo special cleaning on this day, and the place of worship receives decoration. After taking a bath in the morning, both women and men worship the snake deity. People offer milk, flowers, sandalwood, turmeric, kumkum, and sweets to the idol or picture of the snake deity.
During the puja, we recite the Nag Panchami Vrat Katha and perform aarti. After this, all the house members together take the puja prasad. Many communities immerse the idol of the snake deities in a river or pond. Additionally, if possible, keep a bowl of milk in your garden or any place where snakes can come. This is an important way to please the snake deity.
Special rituals.
This day also involves the performance of some special rituals. On this day, people paint pictures or idols of snake deities on the walls, create symbols of snake deities in the house’s courtyard, and prepare special dishes for them.
Importance
The festival of Nag Panchami is not only important from a religious point of view, but it also has social and environmental significance. This festival gives us the message of protection and sympathy towards snakes. Worshiping snake deities gives us an opportunity to develop a sense of respect and protection towards them.
