Nag Panchami is one of the notable Hindu festivals where the snake God is considered the god of water and food. The Nagas or snakes are called the serpent deities as per Hindu mythology. Generally, this festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shravan month, falling in July or August. The word Nag means snake and Panchami denotes the fifth day. Devotees believe during this time if one worships the Nagas, it pleases Lord Shiva and blesses devotees with happiness and prosperity. Did you know that on this day, devotees use cow dung to make the shape of a snake and place it at the main entrance of their house? Do you know why?

Importance of Snake-shaped Cowdung:

As per Bhopal’s astrologer and Vastu consultant Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma Nag Panchami will be celebrated on August 9. The auspicious time to worship is from 05:47 pm to 08:27 pm. Regarding the importance of the snake figure outside the house, the Pandit explained that this tradition has existed since ancient times. On the day of Nag Panchami, devotees place the snake figure made of cow dung on the house’s entrance as it is considered auspicious and there will be no fear of snakes inside the house.

As per the religious scriptures, Lord Shiva has a snake on his neck, hence the Lord along with Goddess Parvati are worshipped along with the Naga deity. People believe that doing so will bring prosperity in the house and the Lord Shiva will bestow his blessings along with the snake deity.

In many parts of the country, people worship real snakes, idols or pictures of snakes by offering milk, rice and sweets. Snake charmers are also hired to bring real snakes to temples so that they can be worshipped. Many devotees observe fast on this day and visit various temples dedicated especially to snake deities. They pray, chant mantras and perform various rituals to seek blessings from the snakes.

The occasion also highlights the importance of the conservation of snakes. Many organisations and community workers use the occasion as an opportunity to create awareness among people about the importance of snakes in the ecosystem.