What is Nag Panchami?
Nag Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing fortnight) in the month of Shravan, which is July or August in the Gregorian calendar.
The word “nag” means “snake” in Sanskrit, and “panchami” means “fifth”. So, Nag Panchami literally means “the fifth day of the snakes”.
Nag Panchami is a popular festival in India, especially in the northern states. It is also celebrated in Nepal, Bangladesh, and other parts of South Asia.
The Significance of Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is a festival of great significance in Hindu mythology. Snakes are considered to be sacred creatures in Hinduism, and they are associated with many gods and goddesses. For example, the god Shiva is often depicted with a snake coiled around his neck.
Snakes are also seen as protectors of the household and the family. They are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Nag Panchami is a time to pray to the snakes and ask for their blessings. It is also a time to cleanse oneself of negative energies and to start afresh.
Nag Panchami 2023 Date, Puja & Timing
The Celebration of Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is celebrated in a variety of ways across India. In some parts of the country, people fast on the day of the festival. They also visit temples dedicated to snakes and offer prayers and offerings.
In other parts of the country, people make special dishes and sweets to offer to the snakes. They also decorate their homes with pictures and statues of snakes.
On the day of Nag Panchami, it is also common to see people wearing snakeskin jewelry or carrying snake figurines. This is done to ward off evil spirits and to bring good luck.
The Mythological Significance of Nag Panchami
There are many myths and legends associated with Nag Panchami. One of the most popular stories is the story of Krishna and Kaliya.
Kaliya was a giant serpent who lived in the Yamuna River. He was a terror to the people of the area, and he would often poison the water.
Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, decided to slay Kaliya. He jumped into the river and wrestled with the serpent. After a long battle, Krishna was able to defeat Kaliya and free the people of the area from his terror.
Another popular story is the story of Shiva and Parvati. Shiva is often depicted with a snake coiled around his neck. This snake is known as Vasuki.
Vasuki is said to be one of the eight Nagas, or serpents, who supported the churning of the ocean of milk. The churning of the ocean of milk is a mythological event that is said to have produced many of the world’s treasures, including the nectar of immortality.
The Importance of Nag Panchami in Modern Times
Nag Panchami is still an important festival in modern times. It is a time to celebrate the sacredness of snakes and to ask for their blessings. It is also a time to cleanse oneself of negative energies and to start afresh.
The festival is also seen as an opportunity to educate people about snakes and to dispel the myths and superstitions that surround them.
Conclusion
Nag Panchami is a beautiful and auspicious festival that is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. It is a time to celebrate the sacredness of snakes, to ask for their blessings, and to cleanse oneself of negative energies.
