Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes, which are considered divine and auspicious in Hindu culture. Celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Shravana, this festival holds great significance, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.
Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat
Date: August 9, 2024, Friday
Month: Shravana, Shukla Panchami
Puja Muhurat – 05:47 AM to 08:27 AM
Duration – 02 Hours 40 Mins
Nag Pancham date in Gujarat – Saturday, August 24, 2024
Panchami Tithi Begins – 12:36 AM on Aug 09, 2024
Panchami Tithi Ends – 03:14 AM on Aug 10, 2024
Significance of Nag Panchami
Snakes have a revered place in Hindu mythology and are often associated with various deities, including Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Nag Panchami is a day to honor these serpent deities and seek their protection and blessings. The festival is also linked to the monsoon season, as snakes come out of their burrows during this time, and worshipping them is believed to ensure safety from snakebites and promote harmony with nature.
Rituals and Traditions
- Worship and Offerings: Devotees visit temples dedicated to Nagas (serpent gods) and offer milk, flowers, rice, and sweets to snake idols or live snakes. Special prayers and mantras are chanted to invoke the blessings of the serpent deities.
- Drawing Snake Images: In some regions, images of snakes are drawn on the walls or floors of houses using turmeric or sandalwood paste. These images are then worshipped.
- Avoiding Ploughing: In agricultural communities, ploughing fields is avoided on Nag Panchami to prevent harming any snakes that might be underground.
- Fasting: Some devotees observe a fast on this day, consuming only fruits and milk, and avoid eating any solid food.
- Snake Charmers: In many places, snake charmers bring snakes to villages and towns, where people offer their respects and perform rituals.
Mythological Background
There are several legends associated with Nag Panchami. One popular story is about Lord Krishna, who subdued the venomous serpent Kaliya, thereby saving the people of Vrindavan from its poison. Another tale recounts the story of the devoted sister who saved her brother from a snake bite through her prayers and devotion on Nag Panchami.
Conclusion
Nag Panchami is not just a festival of worship but also a celebration of the intricate bond between humans and nature. By honoring the serpent deities, devotees seek to live in harmony with these creatures and acknowledge their role in the ecosystem. May this Nag Panchami bring blessings, protection, and prosperity to all.
