Kathmandu, 17 August: Nag Panchami, observed every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Shrawan, is being celebrated today according to tradition by worshipping snakes and serpent deities.
Although there are twelve names of Nagas, there has been a Vedic tradition since ancient times of worshipping eight Nagas belonging to eight clans. The eight Nagas—Ananta, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshaka, Kulika, Karkotaka and Shankha—are worshipped today by Brahmin priests, and their images are then placed above the main entrance of homes.
It is believed that after placing the image of a Naga at the entrance of the house, people should not plough or cultivate their fields on this day and should not kill snakes, Nagas or other crawling creatures. There is also a religious belief that worshipping and placing an image of a Naga at the main entrance protects the household throughout the year from snakes, scorpions and other creatures, as well as from the fear of fire, storms and lightning.
According to Vedic beliefs, the Naga is regarded as the king of snakes. Religious scholars say the tradition of worshipping Nagas developed from the belief that misfortune could occur if the Nagas became angry, and therefore people worship them to appease them.
Since early morning today, special worship has been performed at Nag Pokhari and Taudaha in Kathmandu, Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur, and other Nag ponds, water bodies, shrines and sacred sites across the country. Devotees pay homage to the Nagas and offer cow’s milk, rice grains, sacred grass (dubo), rice pudding, bread and other food items.
There is also a belief that ancient sages established the tradition of worshipping Nagas after recognizing the important role of snakes and other such creatures in absorbing harmful substances found in nature and preventing their effects from reaching humans and other living beings.
Religious Significance
In Sanatan Dharma, the Naga is regarded as a powerful and sacred creature. Hindu mythology contains numerous stories about Naga deities, particularly Shesha Naga, Vasuki, Takshaka and Kaliya. Lord Vishnu is believed to rest on Shesha Naga, while Vasuki is depicted around Lord Shiva’s neck.
Today is considered particularly significant because Vasuki Naga is associated with Lord Shiva and the festival falls during the month of Shrawan. According to mythology, when King Janamejaya began a great snake sacrifice, the sage Astika intervened and stopped the ritual to save Takshaka Naga.
It is religiously believed that worshipping Nagas on this day removes the fear of snakebites, brings prosperity and well-being to the family, and earns eternal spiritual merit. According to astrology, worshipping Nagas on this day is also believed to pacify Sarpa Yoga or Sarpa Dosha, associated with Rahu and Ketu.
Cultural Significance
According to Nepali tradition, on Nag Panchami, an image of a Naga is placed on the main entrance of the house either by the family priest or by family members themselves. The image is worshipped with offerings such as milk, sacred rice grains, puffed rice, dubo and other items, with the belief that it protects the family from snakebites and other calamities.
There is also a popular belief that worshipping Nagas brings rain and helps crops flourish. Traditionally, placing the symbol of a Naga at the entrance of a house is believed to protect the household and ward off disasters.
The tradition of worshipping at Nagpāngar—mounds associated with Nagas, particularly in rural areas—still survives. This practice appears to contribute to the preservation of Nepal’s indigenous traditions. Nag worship can therefore be regarded as a means of preserving Sanatan customs, culture and traditions.
Environmental Significance
Nag Panchami is also a festival that raises awareness about the protection of wildlife, particularly reptiles and snakes. Snakes play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. By feeding on rats, frogs and other animals, they contribute to natural biological control.
The religious message that snakes are sacred and should not be killed also contributes to the protection of biodiversity.
Nag Panchami encourages respect for nature and wildlife while fostering a sense of gratitude toward the natural world and awareness of the need for its conservation. Snakes and other creatures also play important ecological roles by helping regulate harmful organisms and maintaining environmental balance.
Nag Panchami is therefore not merely a religious festival. It is an important occasion that brings together religious faith, cultural tradition and environmental awareness. By encouraging respect for creatures such as snakes, the festival makes an important contribution to protecting both nature and culture.
