Naag Panchami Rituals: Unique Traditions Across India

Naag Panchami is a Hindu celebration dedicated to honoring snakes, particularly cobras. It occurs on the fifth day of the light phase of the Shravan month, usually in July or August. In 2025, it will take place on 29 July. Although the central theme of the festival remains consistent nationwide, the traditions and practices may vary significantly from region to region. Each part of India has its own way of showing respect to the serpent gods, and some of these customs are genuinely one-of-a-kind.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, especially in rural areas, people make clay or metal idols of snakes and offer them milk, flowers and sweets. Women draw snake images outside their homes using white powder or turmeric paste. In some villages, live cobras are brought by snake charmers and worshipped. The snakes are not harmed. They are given milk to drink and then released back into the wild. People believe that offering milk to snakes on this day brings protection and prosperity.

Karnataka

In Karnataka, Naag Panchami is a grand event. Devotees visit temples dedicated to snake gods known as Naaga Devtas. One of the popular temples is Kukke Subramanya Temple, where people perform special rituals to seek relief from Naaga Dosha or snake curses according to local beliefs. Women dress in traditional attire and offer milk, fruits and lamps at anthills where snakes are believed to live. People also avoid digging the earth on this day out of respect for the creatures living underground.

West Bengal

In West Bengal, Naag Panchami is linked to the worship of the goddess Manasa, the serpent goddess. She is believed to protect people from snake bites and bring fertility and good health. Devotees offer flowers, milk and sweets at her shrines. In rural areas, folk songs and dances are performed to celebrate her stories. Clay idols of snakes are also made and worshipped in homes and temples. Some people even keep a fast and read tales about the goddess.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, people celebrate Naag Panchami by visiting temples and offering milk and rice to snake idols. A special practice here is drawing snake images on walls with geru, a red soil paste, and decorating them with flowers. Devotees believe that praying to snake gods on this day brings peace and protects the family from danger. Many farmers pray for good rainfall and healthy crops since snakes are connected to the earth and fertility.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Naag Panchami is known as Naga Chaturthi or Naga Panchami and is observed with great devotion. Women offer turmeric, vermillion and milk to images of snakes made from silver, stone or mud. In some areas, snake pits are worshipped as sacred spots. People also draw beautiful kolams or rangoli with snake shapes outside their homes. Some families observe a fast and prepare special food to mark the day. Traditional songs and prayers are recited to honour the snake gods.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

In these states, the festival is known as Subramanya Shashti and is closely linked to Lord Subramanya who is associated with snakes. People visit temples and perform rituals to remove fears or problems related to snakes. Women worship small snake statues made of mud or metal and offer them turmeric, kumkum and milk. Some families light oil lamps near snake holes and pray for the well-being of their children.

Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

In these northern states, people worship live snakes as well as idols. Snake charmers roam around villages carrying cobras in baskets. Devotees offer milk, sweets and even money to the snakes. It is considered very lucky to see a cobra on this day. People avoid cooking food that requires frying and follow simple diets. Temples are decorated and special prayers are offered to Lord Shiva who is often shown with a snake around his neck.

Naag Panchami will remain one of the many observances in India which require not merely the context of it’s mythological stories but also the understanding of a culture. A culture which from core, just knows how to value and respect every being, let it be trees, plants, animals or a reptile. From Land to sky, from water to fire, every region in India, celebrate and shares each respective observance in their own unique manner. While the traditions may vary, the message is the same. It is about living in harmony with all living beings and seeking protection and blessings from the forces of nature. These unique customs remind us of the rich cultural diversity of India and the spiritual bond people share with the world around them.

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