Nag Panchami 2025: Date, Time, Significance, Rituals, and Puja Vidhi

Nag Panchami is a revered Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpent deities, observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Shravan. In 2025, Nag Panchami falls on Tuesday, July 29. This festival holds immense religious and cultural significance, symbolizing reverence for snakes and their role in Hindu mythology.

📅 Date and Time of Nag Panchami 2025

• Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

• Panchami Tithi Begins: July 28, 2025, at 07:54 PM

• Panchami Tithi Ends: July 29, 2025, at 09:16 PM

• Puja Muhurat: 05:41 AM to 08:23 AM (Duration: 2 hours 43 minutes)

In Gujarat, Nag Panchami is observed on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. 

🐍 Significance of Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is associated with various legends:

1. Mahabharata Legend: King Janamejaya performed a snake sacrifice (Sarpa Satra) to avenge his father’s death by the serpent Takshaka. The sacrifice threatened to annihilate all serpents until sage Astika intervened, persuading the king to halt the ritual. This event is commemorated as Nag Panchami. 

2. Lord Krishna and Kaliya: Another legend narrates how young Krishna subdued the venomous serpent Kaliya, who had poisoned the Yamuna River. Krishna danced upon Kaliya’s multiple heads, compelling him to leave the river, thus protecting the villagers.

3. Astrological Beliefs: In Vedic astrology, serpents are associated with Rahu and Ketu. Worshipping snake deities on Nag Panchami is believed to mitigate the effects of ‘Kaal Sarpa Dosha’ and bring prosperity. 

🛕 Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Observing Nag Panchami involves specific rituals to honor the serpent deities:

1. Preparation:

   • Devotees wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.

   • The puja area is cleansed and decorated with rangoli and flowers.

2. Setting Up the Altar:

   • An image or idol of a serpent is placed on a wooden platform.

   • A lamp (diya) is lit, and offerings like milk, honey, turmeric, and flowers are arranged.

3. Puja Procedure:

   • The deity is invoked with mantras.

   • Milk and other offerings are presented to the idol.

   • Devotees recite the Nag Panchami mantra:

     “ॐ भुजंगेशाय विद्महे, सर्पराजाय धीमहि, तन्नो नाग: प्रचोदयात्॥”

   • The ritual concludes with an aarti and distribution of prasad. 

🌍 Regional Variations

Nag Panchami is celebrated differently across various regions:

• North India: Devotees visit temples and offer milk to snake idols. In some areas, live snakes are worshipped by snake charmers.

• Maharashtra: The festival is observed with great fervor, especially in Nagpur, which derives its name from ‘Nag’ (snake).

• West Bengal and Assam: The goddess Manasa, associated with snakes, is worshipped with offerings of milk and flowers.

• South India: In Karnataka and Kerala, women draw snake images on the floor and worship them, seeking blessings for their families. 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is milk offered to snakes on Nag Panchami?

A: Offering milk symbolizes reverence and is believed to appease the serpent deities, seeking their blessings and protection.

Q2: Can Nag Panchami rituals be performed at home?

A: Yes, devotees can perform the rituals at home by setting up a clean altar, placing a serpent idol or image, and following the traditional puja procedures.

Q3: Is fasting necessary on Nag Panchami?

A: While not mandatory, many devotees observe a fast on Nag Panchami as a mark of devotion and to seek the blessings of the serpent gods.

Q4: What is the significance of drawing snake images during the festival?

A: Drawing snake images, especially near entrances, is a traditional practice believed to ward off evil and bring prosperity.

🧘‍♂️ Embracing the Essence of Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is not just a festival but a reflection of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It emphasizes respect for all creatures and acknowledges the vital role serpents play in the ecosystem. By observing this festival with devotion and understanding, devotees seek protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.