Nag Panchami: India's Serpent Festival

India is renowned for its diverse tapestry of festivals and traditions. Among these, Nag Panchami stands out, shining a spotlight on the reverence for serpents. Delving into this celebration provides a glimpse into the deep-seated respect and admiration for snakes in Indian culture.

What is Nag Panchami?

Nag Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Shravana, usually falling in July or August. The festival's nomenclature is telling: "Nag" signifies snake, and "Panchami" pertains to the fifth day. It's a day dedicated wholly to snake worship.

The Legends Behind the Festival

Several myths lend significance to Nag Panchami. In one popular story, Lord Krishna triumphs over the venomous serpent Kaliya, sparing its life on the promise that Kaliya leaves the once-poisoned Yamuna River. Another tale recounts a farmer unintentionally causing the death of young serpents. In retaliation, the mother snake kills the farmer's family, sparing only the daughter who appeases the snakes, leading to the tradition of offering milk on Nag Panchami.

Rituals and Celebrations

The essence of reverence for snakes remains constant across regions, even if the specific celebrations differ. Typical customs include:

• Making offerings of milk, flowers, and sweets to snake idols.
• In some places, real snakes, particularly cobras, are worshipped with milk offerings.
• Visiting snake temples, like Karnataka's Nagachandreshwara Temple.
• Decorating homes with snake-themed rangoli and holding fairs.
• Singing traditional snake-related songs and sharing legends.