Nag Panchami is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha during the month of Sawan according to the Hindu calendar. In 2025, Nag Panchami falls on 29 July, which is being observed today across many regions of India. This sacred day is dedicated to the worship of serpent deities, especially Naga Devta, and holds immense spiritual and religious importance. Devotees perform Nag Puja, observe fasts, and offer milk and prayers to snake idols or real snakes to seek blessings and protection.

Spiritual Significance of Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and traditions. The day is considered highly auspicious for performing rituals that help reduce the ill effects of Kaal Sarp Dosh in one’s horoscope. Many people believe that offering prayers to snakes on this day leads to peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles from life. The spiritual power of Nag Panchami is said to cleanse past karmic imbalances and bring divine protection against diseases and misfortunes.

In astrology, serpents are associated with Rahu and Ketu, the shadow planets that are known for causing karmic hurdles. By observing Nag Panchami with devotion, people aim to balance the influence of these planets and reduce their negative impact. This is why the day is significant for those undergoing struggles or facing repeated setbacks due to astrological imbalances.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi on Nag Panchami

The day begins with a bath before sunrise, followed by a vow to observe fast and perform puja. Traditionally, devotees prepare snake idols using clay or cow dung and place them on a clean surface, often at the entrance of the home or under Peepal trees. Cow milk, flowers, turmeric, sandalwood paste, and rice are offered during the worship. In some households, real snakes are also worshipped, especially by farmers in rural areas.

Devotees recite specific mantras and prayers dedicated to Naga Devtas. In many regions, the Panchami tithi is also marked by drawing symbolic snake figures on walls using natural colors. Women pray for the protection and prosperity of their children and family. Offering donations and feeding Brahmins or needy people on this day is considered highly meritorious. Temples dedicated to serpent gods, like the Nagaraja temples in southern India, see large gatherings of devotees.

Fasting on Nag Panchami is observed with great discipline. Most people abstain from salty, fried, or non-vegetarian food. The fast is usually broken only after performing evening puja or after seeing stars. It is believed that observing this vrat with sincerity can bring about miraculous changes in one’s life and wash away long-standing doshas.

Mythological Story of Nag Panchami

The origin of Nag Panchami can be traced back to a powerful legend from the Dwapar Yuga. The story begins with King Parikshit, who once went hunting with his army. After roaming for hours in the forest, the king felt thirsty and searched for water. During his quest, he reached the ashram of Rishi Shameek. The sage was deeply immersed in meditation and did not respond to the king’s repeated requests for water.

Feeling insulted and angry, King Parikshit placed a dead snake on the sage’s shoulder using his bow. The sage remained unaware of this, still lost in his trance. Later in the evening, when Rishi Shameek’s son returned to the ashram, he was shocked to see a dead snake wrapped around his father’s neck. Infuriated by the insult, the young sage cursed King Parikshit that he would die of a snake bite within seven days.

As destined, on the seventh day, King Parikshit died due to the bite of the deadly serpent Takshak. The tragic death deeply affected his son Janamejaya. Determined to avenge his father’s death, Janamejaya organized a massive Sarpa Satra – a snake sacrifice ritual. Powerful mantras and fire offerings were performed, which started destroying the entire serpent race.

The fire sacrifice was so intense that serpents began falling into the sacrificial fire from all directions. Seeing the danger, the great sage Astika, born to a human mother and a serpent father, decided to intervene. Astika Muni approached Janamejaya on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Sawan and requested him to stop the yagna. Impressed by Astika’s wisdom and devotion, Janamejaya agreed to halt the ritual. He spared the remaining snakes and ended the sacrifice.

Since then, the day has been observed as Nag Panchami. It commemorates the moment when life was granted back to serpents and harmony was restored between humans and the snake realm. Devotees remember this day by offering milk to snakes and seeking protection from snakebites and related fears.

Cultural Importance and Regional Celebrations

Nag Panchami is celebrated in various parts of India with slight regional differences in rituals. In Maharashtra, the day is observed with women drawing snake images at the entrance of their homes and worshipping them. In parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, fairs and cultural programs are organized to honor the snake gods. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, elaborate processions of idols are carried out, and devotees perform traditional dances.

In West Bengal and Odisha, snake charmers bring cobras to the streets, and people offer milk, sweets, and coins. Some devotees even offer live snakes into temples or into anthills. In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, serpent worship is deeply connected with fertility and agricultural prosperity. The serpent groves, or ‘Sarpakavu’, are visited with offerings and pujas.

Despite the regional diversity, the common theme remains the same – reverence for the divine serpent and a plea for protection, well-being, and removal of spiritual barriers.

Nag Panchami and Modern Relevance

In today’s time, Nag Panchami continues to carry relevance beyond just religious sentiments. The symbolism of snakes has always been powerful in Indian mythology, representing both fear and wisdom. The festival encourages coexistence with nature and emphasizes the need to respect all creatures, even those feared by humans.

With growing awareness about biodiversity, many devotees now choose symbolic worship over offering milk to real snakes, promoting ethical practices and wildlife protection. Environmentalists also view this festival as a reminder of maintaining ecological balance, where snakes play a key role in controlling pests and supporting agricultural systems.

For spiritual seekers, Nag Panchami is an opportunity to reflect on inner fears, cleanse emotional toxins, and balance karmic energies. Whether through fasting, prayers, or storytelling, the day is a bridge between the physical and metaphysical worlds.

Nag Panchami 2025, being celebrated today on 29 July, is not just a religious observance but a deeply spiritual experience. It connects devotees with ancient traditions, mythologies, and cosmic energies. By worshipping Naga Devta, people seek relief from Kaal Sarp Dosh, invite prosperity, and ensure the well-being of their families. The legend of Astika Muni and King Janamejaya’s sacrifice highlights the importance of forgiveness, wisdom, and the sanctity of all life forms. As devotees across the country participate in rituals and prayers, Nag Panchami stands as a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of India that honors even the most feared creatures with deep reverence and devotion.