Nag Panchami is a revered festival celebrated across India, dedicated to the worship of serpents. On this auspicious day, devotees honor snake deities with rituals and prayers, seeking protection, prosperity, and the removal of fears related to snakebites. The festival is observed with various traditions, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of India.

Rituals and Offerings of Nag Panchami

The rituals of Nag Panchami begin early in the morning. After completing daily routines and taking a purifying bath, a snake figure made from cow dung is placed at the entrance of the home or in the family’s place of worship. This serpent is then venerated with offerings of milk, grass, Kusha (a type of sacred grass), sandalwood, Akshat (rice used in worship), and flowers. Special offerings of Ladu (a sweet delicacy) and Malpua (a type of Indian pancake) are also made to the snake deity. It is believed that bathing the snake with milk on this day can dispel any fears or dangers associated with snakes.

Regional Celebrations of Nag Panchami

The festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated with unique fervor in various regions of India, particularly in South Maharashtra and Bengal. In West Bengal, Assam, and parts of Odisha, devotees worship Manasa Devi, the mother of serpents. Meanwhile, in Kerala, Sheshnaag, the cosmic serpent, receives special homage in temples.

On this sacred day, Goddess Saraswati is also worshiped, especially by women who fast and pray systematically to the Snake God. It is believed that this devotion enhances the family's happiness, wealth, and protection from snakebites.

Preparations and Observances

For Nag Panchami, houses are thoroughly cleaned, and traditional foods such as rice and Sewai (vermicelli pudding) are prepared for the Puja. In some regions, it is customary to prepare food the day before, with stale food consumed on the day of Nag Panchami. Throughout the Shravan Maas (the Hindu month of Shravan), especially on Nag Panchami, digging, plowing, and any form of soil disturbance are strictly avoided to honor the sanctity of the earth and the serpents.

During the Puja, the Snake God is invoked and offered a seat of respect. Water, flowers, and sandalwood are presented to the deity, followed by a sacred bath using Panchamrit—a mixture of milk, yogurt, sugar, honey, and butter. After this, the statue is anointed with sandalwood and aromatic water.

The Aarti (a devotional song) is performed using threads, sandalwood, turmeric powder, saffron, vermilion, Belpatra (leaves sacred to Lord Shiva), jewelry, and garlands of flowers. Offerings include a lamp of Dhup (incense), Navedya (sacred food), seasonal fruits, and Tambool (betel leaves). Worshiping the Serpent God with fragrant flowers and sandalwood is believed to fulfill the devotees' wishes and bring divine blessings.

Celebrate with Devotion and Style

As you celebrate Nag Panchami, you can also embrace the spiritual vibes with our collection of Hanuman T-shirts, Ganesh T-shirts, Krishna T-shirts, and more. Adorn yourself in a Ganpati T-shirt or an Anjaneya T-shirt to honor Lord Hanuman. Our Krsna T-shirts and Lord Krishna T-shirts allow you to express your devotion to Lord Krishna. To buy a variety of hindu t shirts like shivji t shirt, hanuman t shirt, ganesh t shirt, Krishna t shirt, ram t shirt, bajrang bali t shirt etc. click here! Whether it’s a T-shirt featuring Krishna or any other Hindu T-shirt, wear your faith with pride and reverence.

Nag Panchami is not just a day of rituals but a celebration of faith, protection, and prosperity. By honoring the Serpent Gods, you invite peace and blessings into your life, ensuring protection from harm and the fulfillment of your deepest desires.

[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

| NAG PANCHMI | LORD SHIVA | HINDU T SHIRT | SHIVJI T SHIRT | HANUMAN T SHIRT | GANESH T SHIRT | KRISHNA T SHIRT | RAM T SHIRT | BAJRANG BALI T SHIRT | GODDESS SARASWATI |

~Mimansa Sharma