Nag Panchami 2024 Date, Tithi Time, Rituals, Significance
Posted on August 8, 2024
Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes, observed across India and Nepal. It falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravana, which usually occurs in July or August.
Nag Panchami 2024 Date: August 9, Friday.
Panchami Tithi Begins – 12:36 AM on Aug 09, 2024
Panchami Tithi Ends – 03:14 AM on Aug 10, 2024
Significance of Nag Panchami: The festival holds great religious significance, as it is believed that worshiping snakes on this day brings protection from snake bites and invokes blessings for prosperity and well-being. Serpents, particularly cobras, are revered in Hindu mythology and are associated with various deities. Lord Shiva is often depicted with a snake around his neck, and Lord Vishnu rests on the serpent Shesha. Additionally, the serpent goddess Manasa is worshiped for protection against snakebites and fertility.
Rituals and Traditions
On Nag Panchami, devotees perform various rituals to honor the serpent deities:
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Snake Idols and Images: People create idols or draw images of snakes using clay or cow dung and place them at the entrances of their homes or temples.
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Milk Offering: Milk is offered to live snakes and idols. In some regions, devotees visit snake pits and offer milk, sweets, and flowers.
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Fast and Prayers: Many people observe a fast on this day and offer prayers to snake gods. Special mantras and hymns are chanted to invoke their blessings.
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Nag Panchami Katha: Listening to the story (katha) of Nag Panchami is considered auspicious. One popular legend is the tale of Lord Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya.
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Rangoli and Decor: Women and girls draw intricate rangoli patterns depicting snakes at the thresholds of their homes.
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Avoiding Digging: It is a common belief that digging the earth on Nag Panchami might disturb the snakes, so people avoid agricultural activities and digging on this day.