Nag Panchami 2026 — Date, Puja Vidhi & Significance

Nag Panchami is dedicated to the worship of serpent deities (Nagas) on the Panchami (5th day) of Shukla Paksha in Shravana month. Snakes hold deep significance in Hindu mythology — Sheshnag supports Lord Vishnu, Vasuki adorns Lord Shiva's neck, and Takshak guards treasures.

On Nag Panchami, devotees offer milk, turmeric, and flowers at snake anthills or temples with Naga idols. Live snakes are also worshipped by snake charmers in some regions. Digging earth is prohibited on this day out of respect for underground-dwelling serpents.

Astrological connection: Rahu and Ketu are the serpent nodes in Vedic astrology. Nag Panchami worship is considered a powerful remedy for Rahu-Ketu doshas, Kaal Sarp Dosha, and fear of snakes (Sarpa Dosha). Those with afflicted Rahu or Ketu in their birth chart benefit greatly from observing this day.

Regional variations: In Kerala, Nag Panchami is linked to the Mannarasala temple. In Maharashtra, elaborate rangoli depicting snakes is drawn. In South India, termite mounds are worshipped as Naga dwellings.