The 4th day of the waxing Moon
phase (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Sawan or Shravana (mid-July to
mid-August) is celebrated as Naga Chaturthi (Nagula Chavithi), and it is the
preceding day of Naga Panchami. Naga means snake and Chaturthi means 4th day of
a lunar month. However, some states also observe Naga Chaturthi on the 4th day
of the waxing Moon in the Tamil month of Karthigai (mid-November to
mid–December) which falls after Diwali.
Significance of Naga Chaturthi
Naga Chaturthi is observed by
women for the well-being and longevity of their spouse and children.
Worshipping the snake Gods on this auspicious day can also mitigate any
afflictions caused by the snake planets, Rahu and Ketu, in the birth chart.
People also offer prayers seeking the blessings of Naga deities for family
welfare, prosperity and wealth.
Rituals
During the Naga Chaturthi
festival, devotees worship snakes and snake Gods, and offer milk to the snake
pits and place eggs near the snake pits. Women undertake a day-long fast
reverently to offer their prayers. Women go to the temples, where snake idols
are present, bathe the idols with water and milk, apply turmeric powder to the
idols and keep dots of kumkum (red vermilion powder), offer incense sticks and
prasad, take aarti (light offering) and worship the snake gods or Naga Devatas.
Many also chant mantras and Sarpa Suktam (the hymn in praise of the serpent gods). These hymns are sung for getting the blessings of nine important snake Gods.