Naga Panchami, or Nagara Panchami 2025 was celebrated on Tuesday July, 29, which falls in the holy Hindu month of Sawan, which begins on July 11th and ends on August 9, 2025 and dedicated to the worship of snakes, or Nagas. According to the Hindu calendar, the worship is offered on the fifth day (Panchami) of bright half of lunar month of Shravana (July/August). Some Indian states, such as Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat, celebrate Naga Panchami on the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the same month and this day holds deep cultural and religious significance for many communities. Devotees, especially women, seek the blessings of Lord Naga, ask for his forgiveness, and they pray for attaining happiness and fulfillment for their families.

Naga Panchami is also celebrated as Vishari Puja or Bishari Puja in some parts of the country and Bisha or Visha means "poison" and the celebration in these regions is likely associated with seeking protection from snake bites and harmful effects of poison. 

Why We Celebrate Nagas on Panchami day?

Janamejaya, the son of King Parikshita of the Kuru dynasty was performing a snake sacrifice known as Sarpa Satra, to avenge for the death of his father from a snake bite by the snake king called Takshaka. The sacrifice was stopped on the Shukla Paksha Panchami day in the month of Shravana. That day has since been observed as Naga Panchami. According to the Garuda Purana, offering prayers to snake on this day is auspicious and will usher good fortunes in one's life. This is to be followed by feeding Brahmins or priests.

Tell us the Origins of Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami can be traced back to ancient Vedic tests including the Rigveda, Mahabharata, and Ramayana and Puranic texts particularly the Bhagavata Purana, Garuda Purana, and Vishnu Purana. The Nagas are considered semi-divine or supernatural beings and are often depicted as having a human form with a serpent's lower body. They occupy a unique position in Hindu mythology, symbolizing both protection and danger. Naga-king Vasuki played a crucial role in the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), seeking the nectar of immortality. Through such stories, the Nagas are seen as powerful entities that can manipulate the cosmic order.

In another tale, Lord Krishna defeated the venomous serpent Kaliya, who had polluted the Yamuna River. Krishna’s victory and grace toward Kaliya symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the importance of harmony between humans and nature.

Furthermore, snakes are closely associated with Lord Shiva, who wears the divine snake Vasuki around his neck, and with Lord Vishnu, who rests on the thousand-hooded serpent Ananta Shesha. Their associations with prominent Gods, elevate the serpents to a sacred status in Hindu belief.

The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Serpents in Hindu Scriptures

Snakes in Hinduism are symbols of fertility, rebirth/the cyclical nature of life, death, immortality, water bodies, transformation, and cosmic balance. They represent the mysterious forces of the universe and the cycle of life and death. Serpents are not merely animals but divine beings known as Nāgas. Naga Panchami is also seen as an occasion to acknowledge the ecological role of snakes in maintaining balance in nature, especially in controlling pests and rodents. Their worship also emphasizes the traditional Hindu philosophy of living in harmony with nature and all creatures.

What are Rituals of Nag Panchami: Worship Practices

Naga Panchami is observed in different parts of Bharat and Nepal with some regional rituals variations but share a common theme of reverence, protection, and gratitude. Devotees create images of snakes using clay and drawings on walls, around doors, and on the floors or worship the images made of silver, bronze, wood, and stone. It is believed that such depictions on walls and floors will ward off poisonous snakes.

These Naga images are adorned with sandalwood paste, cotton garland, turmeric and vermilion powders, flowers, and lit up lamps. In rural areas, natural anthills—believed to be the dwelling places of snakes—are also worshipped with offerings of milk, sweets, and Jawar Popcorns. Offering milk is a widespread practice, where devotees pour milk into snake pits, or on the metal and stone images of Nagas in temples, or to live snakes with the help of snake charmers. This act symbolizes respect, devotion, and a plea for protection from snakebites and other dangers. Many women observe a fast (vrat) on this day, praying for the well-being of their families, especially their brothers, family members, and children. Songs and stories about snake legends are recited, and food offerings are made after rituals are complete.

Nag Panchami Puja Mantra

सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथ्वीतले।
ये च हेलिमरीचिस्था येऽन्तरे दिवि संस्थिताः॥
ये नदीषु महानागा ये सरस्वतिगामिनः।
ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः॥

Translation - May the snakes who are staying in this world, sky, heaven, sun-rays, lakes, wells, ponds etc. bless us and we all salute them.

Describe Astrological and Spiritual Significance of Naga Panchami

In Hindu astrology, people believe that Naga Dosha or Kaal Sarp Dosha (serpent affliction) brings obstacles in marriage, childbirth, and career and consider it as a symbol of kundalini energy that is coiled at the base of the spine. Worshipping snakes on Naga Panchami is considered an effective remedy to reverse these doshas and a symbolic of awakening inner energy and divine consciousness.

Why Naga Panchami is also observed as Bhratru Panchami 

The emphasis of this festival is on nurturing the relationship between brothers and sisters. As a part of this festival's celebrations, brothers go to sister’s in-laws house to bring her home to celebrate the festival in her villages with her family members and friends. Most sisters with their brother/s worship snakes and offer prayers to propitiate Naga so that their brothers are protected and do not suffer in life or die due to snake bite or for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers. Some sisters even observe fasting on this day for the sake of their brothers and brothers in turn lavish their sisters with beautiful gifts.

Naga Panchami is more than a festival that highlights a cultural expression of the deep-rooted spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. By honoring the serpent deities, devotees seek protection, and blessings.