Devotees Worship Nagas Across Nepal on Nag Panchami
Nepal’s main Hindu festival season has begun with Nag Panchami, a day when devotees across the country worship serpents at homes, temples and traditional naga sites. Observed on Shrawan Shukla Panchami, the festival falls on Bhadra 1 this year due to an intercalary month in the Nepali calendar. Devotees place images of Nagas above their doors and offer milk, rice, dubo grass, kheer and roti, believing the rituals protect households from snakes, fire, storms and lightning. Special worship is taking place at Naga Pokhari and Taudaha in Kathmandu, Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur and other sacred ponds, lakes and shrines. Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, Nag Panchami honours eight principal Nagas, including Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka and Karkotaka. The festival is also associated with rainfall, water and protection from natural hazards. Traditional practices include avoiding ploughing fields and harming snakes, while popular legends highlight the importance of serpent worship. Nag Panchami sets the stage for Nepal’s major festivals, including Janai Purnima, Teej, Indra Jatra and Dashain, marking the beginning of a vibrant season of religious and cultural celebrations.
