Nag Panchami 2024: This year, the month of Shravan will fall in July 2024 and special worship of Lord Bholenath is performed during this month. In addition, it is also considered important to worship Nag Devta (serpent deity), during this month. Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan. Worshipping serpents on this day is believed to rid one of Kaal Sarp Dosh and protect from snake bites.
ALSO READ: August Festivals- Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Teej- Know The Dates
Nag Panchami 2024: Date
This year, Nag Panchami is on August 9, 2024. The festival comes two days after Hariyali Teej. On Nag Panchami, one should worship the idols of serpents while remembering Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padma, Kambala, Shankhapala, Kaliya, and Takshaka.
Nag Panchami 2024: Puja Muhurat
The fifth day of the bright half of Shravan begins at 12:36 AM on August 9, 2024, and ends at 3:14 AM on August 10, 2024.
- Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat: Morning 5:47 AM - Morning 8:27 AM
- Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Nag Panchami 2024: History
According to mythology, King Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu, died from a snake bite. To avenge his father's death, his son Janamejaya performed a snake sacrifice (Nag Dah Yajna) to kill all snakes. The snakes, seeking protection, took refuge with Sage Astika, who persuaded King Janamejaya to stop the sacrifice. This incident happened on the fifth day of the bright half of Shravan. Since then, Nag Panchami has been celebrated to commemorate the protection of serpents by Sage Astika.
Feeding Milk To Serpents:
On Nag Panchami, Hindus worship Nag Devta and offer milk to them. In many villages and cities, snake charmers roam with snakes, offering them milk and other substances, and asking for money in return. Snake charmers usually break the snakes' teeth and remove their venom glands before Nag Panchami. They also starve the snakes for several days, making them consume anything due to hunger. Experts say that drinking milk can damage the snake's lungs and intestines, leading to death. Hence, they consider feeding milk to snakes akin to killing them.
Nag Panchami 2024: Significance
Many mythological stories and beliefs are associated with Nag Panchami, highlighting its significance. In Hinduism, many trees, plants, and animals are considered sacred and worshipped as deities. Similarly, serpents are regarded as protectors of the earth, playing a crucial role in controlling harmful insects and pests that can damage crops.
Additionally, serpents are dear to Lord Mahadev (Shiva). This is why serpents are often depicted coiled around his neck like a garland.
On Nag Panchami, worshipping serpents is a way of expressing gratitude towards them. On this day, both the Nag Devta (serpent deity) and Lord Shiva are worshipped. Performing rituals on this day is believed to cleanse one of the sins, fulfil desires, and eliminate Kalsarpa Dosha.