Nag Panchami Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Nag Panchami is dedicated to the worship of serpents (Nagas). It falls on Shravan Shukla Panchami. Snakes are revered to ward off fear and seek protection from snake bites.
Nag Panchami Mythology & Legend
According to the Mahabharata, when Janamejaya performed the Sarpa Satra to destroy all snakes, the sage Astika intervened and stopped it. Nag Panchami also recalls Krishna subduing Kaliya in the Yamuna. Serpents are associated with fertility and the underworld.
Nag Panchami Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- At dawn, clean the house and draw images of snakes on the walls or at the entrance.
- Offer milk, flowers, and rice to snake idols or images; avoid harming snakes.
- Visit temples dedicated to Nagas; offer prasad.
- In some regions, live snakes are worshipped by priests.
- Refrain from digging the earth or cutting trees to avoid harming snakes.
Nag Panchami Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ नागाय नमः
oṃ nāgāya namaḥ
Salutations to the Naga
Nag Panchami Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Milk
- ●Fruits
- ●Sattvic meals
- ●Prasad
Nag Panchami Regional Celebrations across India
Maharashtra(नाग पंचमी)
Snake images on walls
South India(ನಾಗ ಪಂಚಮಿ)
Temple puja, no ploughing
North India(नाग पंचमी)
Milk offering to snake idols
Nag Panchami Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Worship snake idols
- ✓Offer milk
- ✓Avoid harming snakes
- ✓Stay indoors in snake-prone areas
Don'ts
- ✗Do not kill or harm snakes
- ✗Avoid digging on this day
- ✗Do not eat heavy non-veg
Nag Panchami — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Nag Panchami?
- Nag Panchami is dedicated to the worship of serpents (Nagas).
- When is Nag Panchami 2026?
- In 2026, Nag Panchami falls on 2026, ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 17, തിങ്കളാഴ്ച.
- What are the Nag Panchami puja rituals?
- At dawn, clean the house and draw images of snakes on the walls or at the entrance.; Offer milk, flowers, and rice to snake idols or images; avoid harming snakes.; Visit temples dedicated to Nagas; offer prasad.; In some regions, live snakes are worshipped by priests.
- What to eat on Nag Panchami?
- Milk, Fruits, Sattvic meals, Prasad
- What should you do on Nag Panchami?
- Worship snake idols; Offer milk; Avoid harming snakes
- What should you avoid on Nag Panchami?
- Do not kill or harm snakes; Avoid digging on this day; Do not eat heavy non-veg
- Which deity is worshipped on Nag Panchami?
- Nag Panchami is dedicated to Nagas.
Upcoming Nag Panchami Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Nag Panchami is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ഓഗ 17 | തിങ്കളാഴ്ച | 10:17 am | — |
| 2027 ഓഗ 6 | വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച | 09:51 am | — |