Nag Panchami 2024: Nag Panchami is a traditional festival of Hindus and has great significance in the Hindu community. It is celebrated every year on the Panchami tithi of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month and two days after Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami is celebrated. On this auspicious day, people all over India worship snakes. Devotees find snakes to be associated with Lord Shiva and hence pray to the Lord for goodwill, prosperity and protection. According to Hindu mythology, serpents are worshiped as gods. This year, Nag Panchami is being celebrated on 9th August and here are some things which every devotee should follow while worshiping the Nag Devta.
What to do on the day of Nag Panchami
- While worshiping Nag Devta, devotees perform traditional ceremonies and rituals to seek blessings from the god. Apart from performing the rituals, various Nag Panchami mantras can also be chanted to please the snake deity.
- On this day, people either fast or eat only vegetarian food as part of their religious practice. This helps purify their body and strengthens their spiritual bond with the serpent god. Fasting and eating vegetarian food is seen as a way of showing respect and honor to the importance of this special day.
- The most important ritual on Nag Panchami is offering milk to snake idols or pictures. This act shows respect to the serpent god and brings blessings, good health, happiness and success.
- The important ritual of Nag Panchami is visiting temples and worshiping the snake deity. This tradition is very deep and reflects gratitude and heartfelt prayer for divine protection.
- Pass on the importance of Nag Panchami to the next generation. Teach the importance of this festival, its traditions and the importance of snake conservation.
What not to do on the day of Nag Panchami
- On the day of Nag Panchami, it is best to avoid plowing the ground as it may hurt or even harm the snakes living below.
- During Nag Panchami, it is a good idea to avoid cutting trees. Snakes often make their homes in trees, and cutting them down can destroy their habitat.
- It is important not to harm or hurt snakes on this day. Showing kindness towards all creatures including snakes is a main belief of Nag Panchami.
- Although there is a tradition of offering milk, it is important not to use excessive amounts of milk and not waste it.
- Avoid catching wild snakes during the festival. This can upset the balance of nature and harm the number of snakes, thereby affecting the diversity of life in the ecosystem.