Nag Panchami falls on the 5th day of the bright half of the month of Shravana of the Hindu calendar. People on this day worship ‘nag’ commonly known as the snake. The festival falls during the rainy season and on the month of July or August. It is believed to increase possibility of a snake bite during this time. It is believed that the serpents come out from their hole during this time because of the rains and thus seek shelter in gardens and houses. Thus people visit temples especially dedicated to snakes on Nag Panchami and worship to please them so that they may not cause any harm. People also visit the Shiva temples as snakes are considered to be dear to Lord Shiva.
In some parts of India people draw the images of snake using cow dunk in front of the main entrance of the house. They also make a five hood snake using a fragrant pigment, haldi and kumkum, sandalwood, saffron and plate it on a metal plate, then it is worshipped.
- The festival of Nag Panchami comes from the legend of a snake and a farmer. According to the legend a farmer was ploughing at his field and thus a snake hole was destroyed where some young snakes died. When the mother snake came back she understood that it was the
deed of the farmer and she bent on taking revenge.
- At the night when the farmer was sleeping the snake came and bit all the family members’ feet. The eldest daughter was not at home so the snake could not bite her but she promised herself that she will
- When the snake went to bite her she found the daughter of the farmer worshipping the five hood snake. The snake became pleased and came in front of her. When she came to know everything she told the girl not to cry and gave her nectar to sprinkle on the dead people.