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Naga Chaturthi

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.