Monday, August 17, 2026
Worship of serpent gods (Nagas). Devotees offer milk, flowers, and prayers to snake idols and live snakes. Believed to protect the family from snake bites and ensure prosperity. Associated with Lord Shiva, who wears a cobra around his neck.
Dedicated to The Nine Nagas (serpent deities) and Lord Shiva
Clean the entire house and especially the puja area. At the main entrance or near the puja chowki, draw a rangoli depicting a pair of serpents with raised hoods — this is the most iconic Nag Panchami decoration.
Sit facing east with water, akshat, and a flower in your right palm. Take Sankalp — dedicating the puja to the nine Nagas for protection from snake bites, the removal of Kala Sarpa Dosha, and the wellbeing of the family.
ॐ अद्य श्रावण शुक्ल पञ्चम्यां नागपञ्चमी पूजनम् करिष्ये।
Worship Lord Ganesha first with durva, flowers, and akshat.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः॥
Invoke the nine Nagas — Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padma, Kambala, Karkotaka, Ashvatara, Dhritarashtra, and Takshaka — into the idol or rangoli by chanting their names. These are the nine principal serpent deities of Hindu cosmology.
अनन्तं वासुकिं शेषं पद्मनाभं च कम्बलम्। शङ्खपालं धृतराष्ट्रं तक्षकं कालियं तथा॥
Pour raw cow's milk slowly over the idol or rangoli of the serpent. This is the most iconic and essential offering of Nag Panchami. In regions with actual snake worship (Kerala, Karnataka), milk is offered at anthills (bilvas).
ॐ नागेभ्यो नमः॥
Perform the sixteen upacharas — Asana, Padya, Arghya, Achamaniya, Snana (milk), Vastra, Gandha (haldi, chandan), Akshat, Pushpa (red flowers, durva), Dhupa, Deepa, Naivedya (kheer, laddoo, puffed rice), Tambula, Pradakshina, Namaskar.
ॐ सर्पदेवतायै नमः॥
Worship Lord Shiva — who wears the serpent Vasuki as an ornament around his neck. Offer a bilva patra, chandan, and water to a Shiva Linga. Pray for protection from poison, enemies, and fears.
ॐ नमः शिवाय॥
Read the Nag Panchami Vrat Katha — the story of the farmer whose plough accidentally killed the serpent children and how his daughter's devotion saved her family. This katha is traditionally told to children on this day.
Perform the Naga Aarti with camphor — singing 'Jai Ananta Deva Jai Sahasra Sheersha'. Also sing any hymn to Lord Shiva as Nagaraja. Ring the bell throughout.
ॐ जय नाग देवा, जय वासुकी देवा।
Distribute the naivedya — kheer, puffed rice, and laddoo — as prasad. Traditional regions also do not cook with iron, do not till the fields, and do not use sharp objects today — as a mark of respect to the Nagas. Donate milk, rice, and flowers at a Naga or Shiva temple if possible.
This guide reflects classical Parashari tradition. Regional variations exist — consult a family priest for specifics.