In Hindu mythology and religious practices, snakes or Nagas hold a significant and revered position. The cobra, in particular, is considered the symbol of the Nagas. The Hindu festival of Nag Panchami (Hindi: नाग पंचमी) is dedicated to the worship of these revered creatures and is celebrated in various parts of India and Nepal. Particularly embraced by married women, Nag Panchami holds a special place in the cultural tapestry. One village that stands out for its unique traditions during this festival is Shirale in Maharashtra.
Nag Panchami 2024: Save the Date
Mark your calendars for Nag Panchami 2024, which is set to be observed on August 09, Friday. With six months and eight days remaining until the event, anticipation builds for the celebration.
The Timing of Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami falls on the fifth day (Panchami) in shukla paksha (bright half, after the new moon) during the month of Shravan. This auspicious day typically occurs in either July or August, signifying the reverence for snakes in Hindu culture.
The Mythical Origins of Nag Panchami
The roots of Nag Panchami delve deep into Hindu scriptures, portraying the Nagas as a unique entity born from the third wife of Kashyap, the son of Brahma—the creator. As stepbrothers to the gods (Devatas), the Nagas held dominion over the underworld, known as Patal loka. Hindu scriptures detail eight major Nagas, including the infamous Kaliya, a malevolent serpent. Legend has it that when Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was just a young boy, he defeated Kaliya, symbolically ending the serpent’s malevolent reign. Nag Panchami commemorates the day when Krishna triumphed over Kaliya.
Nagas in Ancient Civilizations
Alternatively, another perspective suggests that Nagas were an ancient tribe residing during the Indus Valley civilization, venerating snakes. As Aryan civilization gained prominence in India, the Nagas integrated into the Aryan population, leaving traces of their rituals. Nag Panchami, thus, is believed to have absorbed remnants of Naga rituals by the Aryans. The festival also finds celebration among Hindus in Nepal, where the legend recounts the Kathmandu valley as a lake inhabited by Nagas. Attempts to settle in the valley angered the Nagas, leading to rituals and worship to appease them, granting the Nagas revered places of significance.
Rituals of Nag Panchami Celebration
Pan-Indian Celebration: While Nag Panchami is observed throughout India, certain regions have elevated the festival with distinctive rituals.
Nepalese Customs: In Nepal, Nag Panchami holds immense popularity. To ward off evil, images of Nagas are placed on doors. Fields believed to be infested with Nagas are appeased with offerings like milk and honey. Streets come alive with people donning demon masks, adding a unique flair to the festivities.
South Indian Traditions: In South India, Nag Panchami takes on added significance as a celebration of familial blessings. Married women often journey to their paternal homes for the occasion. The day begins with early morning rituals, including bathing and offering prayers to anthills, considered the abode of snakes. Live cobras or cobra idols are worshipped, with milk being a common offering. A portion of the milk is brought back as Prasad, where flowers are immersed, and sisters apply this blessed mixture to their brothers’ backs.
Shirale’s Unique Practices: In Shirale near Mumbai, Nag Panchami unfolds with a distinctive ritual. Snakes are unearthed, fed with milk and rats, and transported to temples in containers. The culmination occurs within the temple premises, where a dedicated puja is performed, marking a local variation in the festival’s observance.