Nag Panchami will be observed on Monday, August 17, 2026, with devotees across India preparing to worship Nag Devta and seek blessings for protection, prosperity and spiritual well-being. The festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Shravan and holds an important place in Hindu religious traditions.

According to the timings provided for Ujjain, the Panchami Tithi begins at 4:53 PM on August 16 and ends at 5:00 PM on August 17. Sunrise on August 17 is at 6:07 AM and sunset will be at 6:54 PM.

Nag Panchami is associated with the worship of snakes, particularly the Naga deities mentioned in Hindu mythology. Devotees offer prayers, flowers and other traditional offerings to snake idols or images.

Event    Timing
Panchami Tithi Begins    August 16, 4:53 PM
Panchami Tithi Ends    August 17, 5:00 PM
Sunrise    August 17, 6:07 AM
Sunset    August 17, 6:54 PM
Location for timings    Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

The exact puja timings can vary according to location and the local Panchang.

Why Nag Panchami Is Celebrated

In Hindu traditions, Nagas are regarded as divine serpent beings associated with protection, fertility, nature and cosmic balance. Snakes also have a prominent place in the iconography of several Hindu deities.

Lord Shiva is traditionally depicted with a serpent around his neck, while Lord Vishnu is shown resting on Sheshnag. The serpent Vasuki is also closely associated with Lord Shiva and appears in several important Hindu legends.

The festival is therefore seen not simply as an occasion to worship snakes but also as a reminder of the relationship between humans, nature and other living beings.

Legend of Krishna and Kaliya

One of the best-known stories associated with serpent worship is the legend of Lord Krishna and Kaliya. According to Hindu mythology, the serpent had poisoned the Yamuna River, creating danger for people and animals.

Krishna confronted Kaliya and subdued him by dancing on his many heads. Instead of killing the serpent, Krishna ordered him to leave the river. The story is traditionally interpreted as a triumph over danger and arrogance, while also reflecting the idea of restoring balance to nature.

Another important association is with Vasuki and Sheshnag, both of whom occupy significant positions in Hindu mythology.

Nag Panchami Rituals

On Nag Panchami, devotees generally worship Nag Devta at temples or at home. Snake idols and images may be decorated with flowers, turmeric and kumkum, while prayers and traditional mantras are recited.

In different regions, customs vary. Some communities worship serpent idols near anthills or sacred trees, while others draw symbolic images of snakes on walls and doors.

Devotees may also observe a fast and take a ritual bath before offering prayers. In several traditions, the festival is considered an auspicious occasion for seeking protection from fears and obstacles.

Religious and Astrological Beliefs

Nag Panchami also has an important place in traditional astrology. Worship of Naga deities is believed by devotees to help reduce the effects associated with Rahu and Ketu and certain forms of Sarpa Dosha or Kala Sarpa Yoga.

These are religious and astrological beliefs rather than scientifically established effects. People who follow these traditions may perform special pujas or prayers on the occasion.

Regional Traditions Across India

Nag Panchami is celebrated differently across the country. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, communities follow distinctive Naga-related rituals, while in Bengal and Odisha, symbolic snake designs are traditionally made using materials such as turmeric and kumkum.

In parts of South India, devotees visit temples and sacred places associated with serpent worship. The festival is also observed in Nepal, where Naga imagery and rituals form part of local traditions.

These regional customs highlight how the same festival has developed different cultural expressions across South Asia.

Celebrate Nag Panchami Responsibly

The festival also carries an important message about wildlife conservation. While some traditional practices involve offering milk to live snakes, wildlife experts and animal welfare advocates have raised concerns about capturing snakes, keeping them in unsuitable conditions and forcing them to consume inappropriate foods.

Devotees can celebrate Nag Panchami without harming wildlife by using clay, metal or other symbolic snake idols for worship.

The festival can also be used to spread awareness about the ecological importance of snakes. Snakes play an important role in controlling rodent and pest populations and are a significant part of natural ecosystems.

Nag Panchami 2026, therefore, combines religious devotion with an opportunity to reflect on traditional beliefs, cultural heritage and responsible coexistence with nature.