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Naga Panchami

The 5th day of the waxing Moon phase (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Sawan or Shravan (mid-July to mid–August) is celebrated as Naga Panchami. ‘Naga’ means ‘Cobra’ or ‘Serpent.’ ‘Panchami’ means fifth lunar day. It is an auspicious day for devotees to worship snakes or serpents and Naga Devatas (snake Gods) for receiving various blessings in life. Naga Chaturthi (4th lunar day) is followed by Naga Panchami, the next day of Chaturthi. Naga Panchami is an ancient observance which dates back even before the Vedic culture came into existence.

Significance

Naga Panchami is a very important festival, which is celebrated throughout India, more prominently in southern parts of India. Women undertake fasting and wholeheartedly pray for the well-being of their siblings. This ritual can help reduce the intensity of the affliction or congested energies from the snakes and the snake planets, Rahu and Ketu.

Snakes have assumed different forms in Indian mythology and act as the symbols of many deities. Lord Vishnu is often depicted in the posture of Ananta Sayana (reclining on the serpent, Ananta Sesha, king of snakes), with Ananta Sesha serving as his bed. Lord Shiva wears a serpent around his neck and Lord Muruga is also worshipped in the form of a snake.

In the Treta Yuga (second epoch), Lord Rama’s (7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu) younger brother Lakshmana was none other than Adisesha. In the Dwapara Yuga (third epoch), Adisesha took the form of Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna’s (8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu), elder brother.

Rituals of Naga Panchami

Naga deities and Naga Devatas (snake gods) are worshipped throughout the country. On this day, people go to the place where there are snake pits, offer cow’s milk and pray to the serpents there. Some people go to the temples where the snake idols are installed. They do Abishekam (hydration Pooja) with water and, milk, apply turmeric powder and dots of kumkum (red vermilion powder). Then, they offer prasad, light incense and show aarti (light offering). Finally, they tie a sacred yellow thread on their hands, with 7 knots in it representing the 7 brothers.

Some perform this ritual at their house to an idol of snake made of silver. They perform Abishekam (hydration Pooja) to the idol and follow all the usual procedures. Special Prasad will be made and offered to the deity. It is believed that offering food to a Brahmin on this day is very auspicious. On the day of Naga Chaturthi / Panchami, digging of soil, plowing of the field and cutting of trees need to be avoided.