Naag Panchami 2023: Date, Time, Rituals, Celebration, and Importance

Naag Panchami Rituals

On this day, people fast to sanctify the day and offer milk, kheer, chandan (sandalwood paste), and turmeric powder to the snake statue in temples or at home, as well as chanting mantras to please the ‘Nag Devta.’

These ceremonies are performed by married Hindu women with utmost devotion and preparation. Lord Shiva is also revered because he is always represented with a snake around his neck. Near the holes near the gardens, milk and flowers are also placed.

Nag Panchami Celebrations

On this day, children like kite flying, girls adore swinging, and people worship snakes by purchasing representations of snakes. Snake figures and idols are offered milk and a milk-based delicacy. Typically, the idol is immersed in the river in a ritualistic manner. Devotees flock to snake temples in Southern India, notably Kerala, to pay homage to the serpent idol ‘Ananta’ or ‘Shesha,’ which also represents immortality.

Nag Panchami celebrations can be seen all around the country, with aspects of religious music, dancing, and acrobatics mixed into the performances. In some sections of the country, kite flying and wrestling events are also popular.

Significance of ‘Nag Panchami’

‘Nag Panchami’ is seen to be one of the most auspicious days of the year to worship the ‘Nag Devta.’ The Puranas emphasise the significance of Naga Panchami. According to the Bhavishya Purana, bathing snakes such as ‘Vasuki,’ ‘Takshaka,’ ‘Kaliya,’ and ‘Dhananjaya’ in milk on this day ensures escape from snakebites.

Performing ‘puja’ on this day is also regarded auspicious since it may help devotees overcome the negative effects of’sarp-dosh’ in their horoscope. Lord Shiva is said to be pleased by puja and self-austerity on this day.

Reason Behind Naag Panchami

Legends and fables about serpents, particularly about Lord Vishnu’s Sheshnag, as shown in the painting of Lord Vishnu resting on the thousand-headed Ananta, the ‘Shesh Nag,’ while sleeping in the sea. According to folklore, some serpents were killed while tilling the field, and the mother serpent avenged the family by killing all save one family member who was praying to the Nagas.

As a result of this, she was able to bring the entire family back to life. According to legend, Goddess Mansa devi stopped Janmejaya, Parikshit’s son, from performing the’sarp satra yagna’ on this day. In these circumstances, the Nag Panchami celebration is observed. On Nag Panchami day, the legend of the serpent Kalia bending down to Krishna in humility is remembered.

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