Hindu is a religion where a number of Gods and Goddesses are worshiped. There are reasons and intentions behind every festival. Worship and festival means way of life and fellowship of faiths. Snake worship has also been a part of the culture of India ever since then. Nag Panchami is one of the most important festivals in India celebrated to commemorate the existence of the snake god.
It is celebrated on the fifth day of the moonlit-fortnight in the month of Shravan according to the Hindu calendar, and as per the Gregorian calendar this festival falls in the month of July /August. The grandest celebrations can be seen in the southern India and in the states of Bengal and Maharashtra. This festival also has some religious significance. It is believed that Snakes have been the saviour of human race from the wrath of demons and also, that the earth is balanced on the head of on Shesh Naag. There are also several mythological stories associated with the festival. In Jainism and Buddhism snake is regarded as sacred creature with divine qualities, because some ancient texts inform that a Cobra snake saved the life of Buddha and the Jain Muni Parshwanath.
Significance of Nag Panchami
In addition to many mythological stories, there is a logical belief too behind worshiping snakes. Snakes are known for their secret wisdom and knowledge as well as for their mortal nature too. In addition to this, there are some signs of negativity too like possessiveness, bitterness and greed. So by worshiping the snakes on this day, people try to control their negative feelings to get stronger and help positive ones to come out.
Nags or Cobras are also considered as caretakers of many hidden treasure. In some places this treasure is referred to knowledge while at many places it means real treasure consisting of wealth and jewellery. By worshiping them they pray for treasure of knowledge and wisdom.
Initially snakes were considered as violent, poisonous and deadly. By offering them milk on this day, people request them to spare their lives as well as protect their family members too. Even today, many Hindus believe that by worshiping Nag Devta on this auspicious day they can spare their families from snake bite.
All main Hindu Gods have connection with Nags – Lord Vishnu rests on Sheshanaga, Lord Shiva has snake all round his neck and Ganesha wears a snake in place of belt.
Celebration of Nag Panchami
Fast - Usually women fast on this day till sunset. Even after that they take pure vegetarian food avoiding any kind of fried food that day. Kheer and milk is offered in the form of Prasad to the family members and those women who fast eat Kheer but after sunset.
Worshiping - People worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya and Snake God exclusively this day.
Celebration – This festival is celebrated with devotion and belief and not with pomp and show. Women draw snakes on the walls and offer milk, ghee, water and rice.
Donations - People donate food, milk and Kheer to poor. Those who are rich donate money to charity and food to poor. Some give gifts and Dakshina to Brahmins and priests. Some even offer silver jewellery to the snakes in temples.
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