Nagpanchami rituals or Naga Panchami Puja – Nagara Panchami Celebrations

Nagpanchami or Naga Panchami, also known as Nagara Panchami, is observed on Panchami during Shravan month (July – August). In 2009, the date of Naga Panchami is July 26, Sunday. Some people observe Nagara Panchami on July 12, Sunday, in 2009. On Nagpanchami day, Naga Devatas (Serpent Gods) are worshipped and offered naivedya such as fruits and milk.

Nagapanchami Puja in South Indian States:

On Shravana Shukla Paksha Panchami, Nagara Panchami day, many auspicious rituals are performed throughout India. The rituals and pujas may differ from place to place. In some areas of South India, Naga Panchami is observed as Garuda Panchami. Garuda, also known as Garuthmantha, is worshipped on the day. Naga Panchami puja is known as Nagula Panchami in Andhra Pradesh.

Nag Panchami rituals in North India:

Mauna Panchami vrata is one of the main rituals performed on Nagpanchami at Baba Bhaidyanath Temple at Deoghar. It is widely observed during Shravani Mela. In West Bengal, Orissa and Assam, on Nagapanchami Manasa Devi Ashtanag puja is observed. Manasa Devi is the Goddess of snakes. A similar festival known as ‘Guga Naumi’ is observed in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.