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The Nagpanchami festival is celebrated today with the worship of the Nag or serpent god, a tradition deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and practices. On this day, many people follow the Hindu custom of placing pictures of a Nag on the main door of their homes. The festival, observed annually on the fifth day of Shrawan Shukla according to the lunar calendar, holds significant cultural and religious importance in Nepal.
The origins of Nag worship date back to the Vedic period when Nagas were revered as powerful deities. In ancient times, it is believed that the Nagas, as guardians of rain, withheld rain from pouring over Nepal. The king at that time, who was also a Tantric, used his mystical powers to compel the Nagas to release the rain, ensuring the survival of his kingdom. In honor of their majestic power and as a mark of respect, the king turned his victory into the festive occasion of Nag Panchami, a tradition that continues to this day.
On Nag Panchami, devotees place an image of the Naga high above their doorways and perform puja with all the necessary offerings. Food offerings are also left in yards and paddies for the snakes. Special pujas are held at various locations, including the prominent Naga temples in the Kathmandu Valley at Nagpokhari, Taudaha, and Nagdaha, where throngs of devotees gather to seek blessings.
The worship includes offerings such as cow milk, Akshata (rice mixed with turmeric), Dubo grass, rice pudding, and Roti, all presented with reverence. It is believed that displaying a serpent image at home will protect against harm from snakes, scorpions, and even natural calamities like fires and lightning. The festival is not just a celebration but a reminder of the deep respect and reverence Nepali people have for the natural and spiritual forces embodied by the Nagas.
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