Naag Panchami, observed every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Shrawan, is being celebrated today by worshipping snakes as tradition dictates. Although there are 12 names of Naags, the tradition of worshipping eight Naags representing eight clans has been followed since the Vedic period.
The eight Naag—Ananta, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshaka, Kulika, Karkotaka and Shankha—are worshipped by Brahmin priests today, and their images are then placed above the main entrance of homes. It is traditionally believed that after an image of a Naag is placed at the entrance, people should refrain from ploughing or digging in the fields and should not kill snakes, Naags, or other reptiles.
According to religious belief, placing and worshipping an image of a Naag at the main entrance protects the household from snakes and scorpions throughout the year, as well as from the fear of fire, storms and lightning. According to Vedic beliefs, the Naag is regarded as the king of snakes. Religious scholars say the tradition of worshipping Naags developed from the belief that misfortune could occur if they were angered, and that worshipping them would appease them.
From early morning today, special worship is being performed at Nagpokhari and Taudaha in Kathmandu, Siddhapokhari in Bhaktapur, and various Naag ponds, water bodies and sacred sites across the country. Milk, rice grains, dubo grass, kheer, roti and other offerings are presented as a mark of respect to the Naags. It is also believed that ancient sages established the tradition of worshipping snakes after recognising their ecological role in consuming harmful organisms and helping prevent the spread of poisonous substances in nature.
Religious significance
In Sanatan Hinduism, the Naag is regarded as a powerful and sacred creature. Various mythological stories feature serpent deities, particularly Shesha Naag, Vasuki, Takshaka and Kaliya. Lord Vishnu is traditionally depicted reclining on Shesha Naag, while Vasuki is believed to adorn Lord Shiva’s neck.
Naag Panchami is considered particularly significant because Vasuki is associated with Lord Shiva and the festival falls in the month of Shrawan, which is sacred to Shiva. According to mythology, when King Janamejaya began a snake sacrifice, the sage Astika stopped the ritual to save Takshaka Naag.
There is a religious belief that worshipping Naags on this day protects people from the fear of snakebites, brings prosperity to the family lineage and earns enduring spiritual merit. According to astrology, worshipping Naags on this day is also believed to pacify Sarpa Dosha, a condition associated with the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu.
Cultural significance
According to Nepali tradition, an image of a Naag is placed at the main entrance of a house by a family priest or by family members themselves. The image is worshipped with offerings such as milk, rice grains, popped rice and dubo grass, with the belief that it protects family members from snakebites and other calamities.
There is also a popular belief that worshipping Naags brings rainfall and ensures good agricultural yields. Traditionally, placing the symbol of a Naag at the entrance of a house is believed to protect the household and ward off disasters.
The practice of worshipping at Naagpangar, or traditional mounds associated with Naags in rural areas, remains alive. This tradition has contributed to the preservation of indigenous cultural practices. Nag worship can therefore be seen as a practice that helps preserve Sanatan traditions, culture and customs.
Environmental significance
Naag Panchami is also a festival that raises awareness about the conservation of wildlife, particularly reptiles and snakes. Snakes play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. By feeding on rats, frogs and other animals, they contribute to natural pest control.
The religious belief that snakes should not be killed because they are sacred also promotes the protection of biodiversity.
Naag Panchami encourages respect for nature and wildlife while fostering gratitude toward the natural world and awareness of conservation. Scientifically, snakes play an important role in ecosystems by controlling populations of other organisms and maintaining ecological balance.
Naag Panchami is therefore not merely a religious festival. It is an important occasion that brings together religious faith, cultural tradition and environmental awareness. By encouraging respect for creatures such as snakes, the festival contributes to the protection of both nature and cultural heritage.
