New Delhi: Every year, the festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated with devotion on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Sawan month. On this day there is a tradition of worshiping the snake god along with Lord Shiva. It is believed that snakes are dear to Lord Shiva and that is why he wears them around his neck. This year the festival of Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Monday, 17 August 2026.
According to the Panchang, Panchami Tithi of Nag Panchami will start from 4.52 pm on 16th August and will end at 5 pm on 17th August. On the basis of Udayatithi, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on 17th August only. The auspicious time for worship on the day of Nag Panchami on 17th August will be from 5.51 am to 8.29 am. During this time, devotees can worship Lord Shiva and Nag Devta as per the rituals.
How to worship snake god?
On Nag Panchami, the idol of Nag Devta can be worshiped along with the worship of Lord Shiva. First of all offer water to the idol. After this, offer Abhishek, Tilak, Akshat and flowers with milk. Then worship Lord Shiva and perform aarti. If the idol of Nag Devta is installed along with Shivalinga in the temple, then Nag Devta can also be worshiped during the same puja.
Is it right to feed milk to the snake god?
The tradition of feeding milk to live snakes is seen in many places on Nag Panchami. However, this is not considered good for snakes. Scientifically, snakes are not milk-drinking creatures. Forcibly feeding them milk or putting milk in their mouth can be harmful for their health. Therefore, instead of worshiping live snakes by catching them, it is better to worship the idol of the snake god installed in the temple. Religious tradition can be followed by offering water to Shivalinga and offering flowers to the snake god.
Importance of worship on Nag Panchami
According to religious beliefs, worshiping the snake god on Nag Panchami removes fear and reduces the troubles of life. In many astrological traditions, this puja is also associated with the pacification of Kaal Sarp Dosh. However, this is a religious and astrological belief, it is not considered a scientific fact.
Mythological stories related to Nag Panchami
The importance of Nag Panchami is mentioned in the tradition of Bhavishya Purana. According to the story, Sumantu Muni had told King Shatanik about Nag Panchami. It is believed that Shravan Shukla Panchami is celebrated in the snake world and due to this, the tradition of worshiping the snake god was created on earth too. The story of King Janamejaya related to Mahabharata is also linked with Nag Panchami. To avenge the death of his father Parikshit, Janamejaya had performed a snake yagya. Aastik Muni stopped the Yagya and protected the snakes. This story is linked to the message of respect and protection of snakes.
What to do on Nag Panchami?
Go to Shiva temple and worship Shivalinga and snake god.
Offer water, flowers, Akshat and Tilak and light a lamp.
If there is a tradition of making the figure of a snake god at the main entrance of the house, then worship it.
Avoid catching or feeding a live snake. Worshiping the idol of snake god in the temple is a safe way.