Nag Panchami Celebration (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Nag Panchami is a significant festival of the Hindu religion. This day is celebrated by worshiping a snake.

This day is also known as Shukla Panchami as it is celebrated on the fifth day of the lunar month. The festival is celebrated in July or August (Shrawan) month. This is the month when snakes are active.

Hindu Devotees celebrate Nag Panchami by sticking snake pictures with cow dung on the main doors of their houses. People believe that worshipping the snake would shower them with blessings and give them protection from danger.

According to Prof Dr. Debmani Bhattarai, a theologian and a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, there is a religious belief that placing a picture of a serpent in the house will avoid harm from snakes and scorpions, as well as from the incidents of fire and lightning. There is the belief that worshipping poisonous creatures like snakes in Nag Panchami reduces the fear of snakes.

Belief in Snake- Nepali Culture cherishing Nature

Similarly, snakes are considered symbols of power and protection. They are also associated with various Shri Vishnu, who lie down on the bed fold created and offered by Shri Shesh Nag.

According to an article published by ISKCON Ghaziabad, this festival is a reminder of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It also serves as a prayer for safety from snake bites and other dangers.

There are many stories regarding the celebration of Nag Panchami. Out of which, the story of Lord Shree Krishna and Kaliya is highly popular.

Chapter Sixteen of the Tenth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam explains the story of how describes Lord Shree Kṛṣṇa’s pastime of subduing the serpent Kāliya within the lake adjoining the river Yamunā and his showing mercy to Kāliya in response to the prayers offered by Kāliya’s wives, the Nāgapatnīs.

Kaliya was a venomous serpent residing in the Yamuna River. His presence poisoned the water and endangered the lives of people and animals. Young Krishna, upon realizing this threat, decided to confront Kaliya.

In an aggressive battle, Lord Krishna danced on the many heads of Kaliya and subdued him. This act of bravery saved the villagers and restored the river’s purity. Kaliya, realizing Krishna’s divine nature, surrendered and promised to leave the river.

The story of Lord Krishna and Kaliya symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is a central theme in Nag Panchami celebrations.

On the occasion of Nag Panchami on Friday, Fairs are held at Vasuki, (Pashupatinath),  Nag Pokhari (Naxal), Toudah (Chobhar) and Nagdah (Lalitpur), and Nagpokhari (Bhaktapur).

(Glimpses of  devotees worshipping snakes ‘Nags’ at Naxal ) 

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet) 

Nepali version of the photo story