About Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is generally observed on Shravana Shukla Panchami, during the heart of the monsoon. It is a day to honour the Nagas, the serpent deities who appear throughout Hindu tradition: Shesha, on whom Lord Vishnu rests; Vasuki, who serves as the rope in the churning of the ocean; and the serpent that adorns Lord Shiva's neck. The festival reflects an old understanding that snakes are part of the balance of nature, especially in farmlands during the rains.
Many families also recall the story of young Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna and then sparing him. On this day, women draw images of serpents with turmeric, sandalwood or cow-dung on the walls near the entrance, or worship idols of Nag Devta made of clay, silver or stone. Offerings of milk, flowers, kumkum and rice are made at temples and anthills. In some homes, digging the soil and frying food are avoided for the day. The festival is widely observed in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bengal.
How it is observed
- Drawing or installing images of Nag Devta and worshipping them
- Offering milk, flowers, turmeric and rice at temples or symbolic images
- Visiting Nag temples or anthills associated with serpent worship
- Praying for the protection and well-being of the family
- Avoiding digging the earth, in keeping with family custom
Nag Panchami dates in past and coming years
| Year | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Friday, 9 August 2024 | Past |
| 2025 | Tuesday, 29 July 2025 | Past |
| 2026 | Monday, 17 August 2026 | Past |
| 2027 | Friday, 6 August 2027 | Next |
| 2028 | Wednesday, 26 July 2028 | Upcoming |
| 2029 | Tuesday, 14 August 2029 | Upcoming |
| 2030 | Sunday, 4 August 2030 | Upcoming |
Dates are calculated from the Panchang for New Delhi. Some regions may observe a day earlier or later.
Across India
Celebrated across India
The same season is marked in many ways. Where a region keeps the festival on a different day, its calculated date is shown.
Maharashtra
Nag Panchami
Women draw snake figures or worship clay images of Nag Devta with milk and flowers, and avoid digging or cutting on this day.
Karnataka
Naga Panchami
Families offer milk at anthills and stone naga images, and sisters pray for the long life of their brothers.
Uttar Pradesh
Nag Panchami, Gudiya
Snake images are drawn on walls, and in parts of the state the folk custom of Gudiya is played with cloth dolls.
Gujarat
Nag Pancham
Gujarat observes Nag Pancham in the dark half of Shravan, a few days before Janmashtami, so it is a different day from most of the North.
West Bengal
Manasa Puja
In Bengal the snake goddess Manasa is worshipped during the monsoon months, with songs from the Manasa Mangal.
Please do not feed milk to or handle live snakes; offerings are best made to images and idols. In some regions the festival falls on the Krishna Panchami of the month.
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