Introduction to Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is one of the most sacred traditional festivals celebrated by Hindus across India. Observed on the Panchami Tithi (fifth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the holy Shravana month (July/August), this auspicious day is dedicated to the worship of Nag Devta (Serpent Deities). In Hindu belief, worshipping snakes is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection to families while shielding them from the fear of snakebites and snake-related astrological afflictions like Kalsarpa Dosha.

In 2026, Nag Panchami holds an extraordinary significance as it falls on a Sawan Somvar (Monday), creating a rare and powerful divine conjunction for worshipping Lord Shiva and Nag Devta together.

Nag Panchami 2026: Date, Timings & Puja Muhurat

According to the Vedic Panchang, the timing and auspicious Muhurats for Nag Panchami 2026 are detailed below:

How Nag Panchami is Celebrated Across Indian States

1. Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Nag Panchami is celebrated with immense joy and traditional zeal. Women draw depictions of snakes on walls using clay, turmeric, or sandalwood paste and worship them with milk, puffed rice (lahaye), and flowers. In villages like Shirala (Sangli district), Nag Panchami has historically been known for unique serpent gatherings and rituals.

2. Gujarat (Nag Pancham)

In Gujarat, Nag Panchami is observed 15 days later according to the Amanta lunar calendar. Known as Nag Pancham, it falls on Krishna Paksha Panchami during Shravana month (scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026), just three days before Krishna Janmashtami. A day prior to Nag Pancham, Gujarat celebrates Bola Choth (Bahula Chauth), where cattle and cows are worshipped.

3. Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh (Nagula Chavithi & Nag Panchami)

In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, serpent worship is observed both during Shravana Nag Panchami and during Nagula Chavithi (which falls on the fourth day after Deepavali Amavasya). Devotees visit snake pits (Valmiki/Ant-hills), perform Abhishek with milk and turmeric, and offer thamboolam, sesame sweets, and flowers for the longevity and good health of their siblings and family members.

4. Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Nag worship coincides with Tamil Sashti days and serpent deity shrines situated in ancient temples. Devotees visit Nagathamman temples or sub-shrines within Shiva temples, offering turmeric, kumkum, and milk to Nag idols installed under Peepal (Arasa Maram) and Neem trees.

5. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar & North India

In North India, people draw Nag images at the entrance of their homes using cow dung or vermilion for protection against evil spirits and snakebites. Special offerings like kheer, milk, sweets, and flowers are presented to Lord Shiva and Nag Devta.

Essential Nag Panchami Mantras & Remedies

Devotees recite sacred Nag Stotrams and mantras to seek blessings and eliminate astrological doshas:

Key Ritual Practices:

• Puja Rituals: Perform Jalabhishekam on Shivling, offer blue Aparajita flowers to Lord Shiva to remove poverty and debts.
• Avoid Harm to Living Serpents: Eco-friendly and compassionate worship is urged—avoid catching or forcibly feeding live snakes; worship eco-friendly idols or images instead.