Nagpanchami Celebration in Indian Culture (भारतीय संस्कृति में नाग पंचमी उत्सव)

Animals have special importance in Indian (Hindu) culture. If the cow is the mata for us and we also worship the Peepal tree in the form of a deity. Nagpanchami is an important part of our culture. Nagpanchami is an important festival of Hindus dedicated to the serpents.In the scriptures, serpents have not been told to drink milk but to bathe with milk. Ashtnagas are worshiped on this day.

Snakes and our culture
Snakes are an important part of our culture. While on one side the snakes are wrapped around Bhagwan Shankar's neck as an ornament, on the other hand, the nirguna-formal form of Shiva also adorns the Shivling with snakes. Bhagwan Vishnu sleeps only on the bed of Sheshnag. Sheshnag never deviates from the service of Vishnu. It is believed that whenever Bhagwan Vishnu incarnates on earth, then Sheshnag ji incarnates with him. Sheshnag is also incarnated as Lakshmanji in Ramavtar and Balram in Krishnavtar.

When is Nagpanchami celebrated?
On the fifth day or Panchami in the Shukla Paksha of the pavitra Shravan (Sawan) month, it is celebrated as Nagpanchami. It is believed that Panchami of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month is the date which gives pleasure to the serpents, hence it is known as 'Nagpanchami'.

Nagpanchami fast worship method
This festival is celebrated by worshiping a snake or a serpent with a white lotus. Generally, people make snakes of different sizes out of clay and decorate them with different colors. An idol of a snake made of clay is placed on a platform and milk is offered to it. In some parts of Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Andhra and Karnataka, there are permanent temples of the deity Nag, where special worship of the deity is performed in grand ways.