- Shravana Shukla Panchami
- July or August
- Maharashtra, Karnataka, UP
- Also kept in Nepal
Where it began
Naga means snake and panchami means the fifth day. Snakes are honoured in many Hindu stories, and great nagas such as Shesha and Vasuki serve the gods.
Legend says young Krishna defeated the snake Kaliya in the Yamuna and spared him. Another story tells of the snake sacrifice of King Janamejaya, stopped by a wise sage on this day.
The rainy season drives snakes out of their holes. The festival asks people to respect them and live in peace with nature.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
Naga worship appears in early texts, temple carvings and stone images of snakes.
Medieval period
Snake stones are set under trees and near temples in many villages.
Modern times
Many families move from offering milk to live snakes to praying at images and anthills.
Today
Temples, homes and village shrines across India and Nepal keep the day with prayers and folk songs.
How it is celebrated in different places
Maharashtra
Women draw snake designs, offer puja and sing songs. Battis Shirala is known for its Nag Panchami.
Karnataka
Families pour milk on anthills and snake stones, and brothers and sisters share a bond of care.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
People draw nagas on walls with milk and charcoal, and wrestling bouts are held in villages.
Nepal
Pictures of nagas are put above doors to keep homes safe in the monsoon.
Nag Panchami moments
Nag Panchami today
Families offer milk, rice, flowers and sweets at shrines and draw nagas at the door. Many no longer dig or plough on this day, so that no creature in the soil is harmed.
