Nag Panchami is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpents, celebrated with great reverence and devotion across India. This festival holds deep cultural and religious significance, with rituals and traditions that date back centuries. Celebrated with fervour and devotion, this festival underscores the reverence for snakes in Hindu mythology and their association with deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Nag Panchami 2024 falls on August 9. This article will detail you about Nag Panchami date, muhurat, history, significance and rituals.

Nag Panchami Date and Muhurat

Nag Panchami is observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan. This year, Nag Panchami falls on August 9. According to Hindu astrology, the ideal time for performing the Nag Panchami puja is during the 'Nag Panchami Muhurat,' which ensures that devotees receive the blessings of the serpent deities. The Tithi will start at 12:30 AM on August 9 and end at 03:14 AM on August 10.

Nag Panchami History

Hindu Mythology states that Janmajeya, the son of Parikshit had organised Yagya for Nagas to take revenge from the snakes and wanted to kill their entire clan as his father was killed by Takshak snake. To protect all the snakes, the son of Rishi Jaratkaru and Astik Muni stopped this Yajna. The day when he stopped the Yajna was Shravan Shukla Panchami. He saved the Takshak snake and his clan, and since that day, Nag Panchami has been celebrated.

Nag Panchami Significance

As per Hindu traditions, Nag Panchami holds great significance and is dedicated to the worship of snakes. They are considered the most powerful creatures and are worshipped as deities mainly by devotees from the Naga tribe. It is believed that any worship offered to snakes reaches the serpent deities.

Nag Panchami Rituals

The rituals of Nag Panchami vary across regions but share common elements of worship and offerings to serpents. Here are some of the key rituals.

Snake Idol Worship: Devotees create or purchase idols of snakes, often made from clay or metal. These idols are placed on altars and worshipped with flowers, milk, turmeric, and vermilion.

Milk Offerings: One of the most important rituals involves offering milk to snake idols or live snakes. In some regions, devotees visit snake pits or temples where live snakes are present to perform this ritual.

Fasting and Prayers: Many devotees observe a fast on Nag Panchami, refraining from consuming solid food until the rituals are complete. Special prayers and mantras dedicated to serpent deities, particularly Lord Shiva and Nag Devata, are recited.

Decorating Doorsteps: In some households, women draw intricate patterns of snakes at the entrance of their homes using a mixture of cow dung and milk. This is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune.

Feeding Brahmins: Feeding Brahmins and offering donations to them is another significant ritual. This act of charity is believed to please the snake gods and bring blessings to the household.

Nag Panchami is a vibrant and culturally rich festival highlighting the deep connection between Hindu traditions and the natural world. On August 9, devotees across India will come together to celebrate and honour the serpent deities, participating in age-old rituals that have been passed down through generations. Whether through worship, offerings, or fasting, the essence of Nag Panchami lies in its celebration of life, protection, and prosperity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2024 11:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).