When will Nag Panchami be celebrated in 2026?
According to the Hindu calendar, Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the month of Sawan (Shravan). In 2026, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Monday, August 17. On this day, special worship of Lord Shiva and the serpent god is prescribed.
Panchami Tithi begins: August 16, 2026, 4:52 pm
Panchami Tithi ends: August 17, 2026, 5:00 pm
Auspicious time for worship: August 17, 2026, 6:04 am to 8:39 am
It is a religious belief that worshipping during this auspicious time brings greater virtuous results and the blessings of Lord Shiva and the serpent god.
How to worship on Nag Panchami:
On Nag Panchami, wake up in the Brahma Muhurta in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Then, make a symbol of the serpent god from cow dung or clay near the prayer place or main entrance of your home. If this is not possible, you can also worship by installing a picture or statue of the serpent god. During worship, offer flowers, milk, whole grains, and other offerings to the serpent god. Light incense and a lamp, perform the ritual, and perform aarti with devotion. Listening to or reading the story of Nag Panchami at the end of the puja is also considered auspicious. It is believed that worship done with a true heart brings peace and happiness to the family and removes many obstacles in life.
The Importance of Worshiping Lord Shiva on Nag Panchami
The worship of Lord Shiva on Nag Panchami is also considered to be of special significance. According to religious beliefs, offering raw milk after performing Jalabhishek of the Shivalinga on this day is considered auspicious. Chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” during the puja brings peace to the mind and maintains Lord Shiva’s blessings. Using a copper pot for the Jalabhishek is considered auspicious. Devotees pray to Lord Shiva on this day for happiness and prosperity in the family, good health, and freedom from life’s troubles.
What should be offered to the Shivalinga?
It is traditional to offer various worship materials to the Shivalinga on Nag Panchami. Prominent among these are Belpatra, Datura, honey, sandalwood, Akshat, and Kaner flowers. During the puja, a Tripundra mark is made on the Shivalinga and prayers are offered to Lord Shiva for happiness, prosperity, and success. It is believed that by offering these puja materials with devotion and regularly, Lord Shiva is pleased and blesses the devotee with the fulfillment of their wishes.
Religious Beliefs and Special Significance
Nag Panchami is not only a festival dedicated to the worship of the serpent god, but also conveys a message of respect for nature and living creatures. Many religious beliefs also state that worshipping the serpent god on this day reduces the effects of Kalsarpa Dosha and brings positive energy into life. However, traditions such as catching live snakes and feeding them milk should be avoided during the puja. Devotees can also express their faith by performing symbolic worship. In this way, while adhering to religious traditions, the message of wildlife protection can also be conveyed.