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The origin of Nag Panchami is linked to the story of King Janamejaya (Img: Pexels)
New Delhi: Nag Panchami, one of the important Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of snakes and Nag Devta, is being celebrated on Monday, August 17, 2026. The festival falls on the Panchami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan. On this day, devotees worship snakes, offer milk, flowers, fruits and other sacred offerings, seeking blessings for protection, prosperity and peace.
This year, Nag Panchami holds special significance as it coincides with Sawan Somwar, a combination considered highly auspicious by devotees. Many people worship both Nag Devta and Lord Shiva on this day, believing that it brings happiness, removes obstacles and protects families from negative influences.
According to Hindu mythology, the origin of Nag Panchami is linked to the story of King Janamejaya, the son of Abhimanyu and a ruler of the Kuru dynasty. The legend begins with the death of his father, King Parikshit, who was bitten by the serpent king Takshak Nag due to a curse by Rishi Shamik.
Angered by his father's death, King Janamejaya decided to destroy the entire snake race. He organised a powerful Sarp Satra Mahayagya, where sages began chanting mantras to summon all snakes into the sacrificial fire.
The power of the yajna was so intense that snakes from across the world started falling into the fire. To save himself, Takshak Nag took refuge with Lord Indra by holding onto his throne.
When the sages began chanting mantras to pull Takshak along with Lord Indra into the fire, the situation became dangerous. Seeing this, the gods requested Astika Muni, a wise young sage and the son of Goddess Manasa Devi, to intervene.
Astika Muni reached King Janamejaya’s yajna and impressed the king with his knowledge and wisdom. Pleased with him, the king offered him a boon.
Astika Muni then requested the king to stop the Sarp Satra Yagya and spare the lives of all snakes. Accepting his request, Janamejaya ended the sacrifice, saving Takshak Nag and other serpents.
According to belief, the day Astika Muni stopped the snake sacrifice was the Panchami Tithi of Sawan Shukla Paksha. He offered milk and water to calm the suffering snakes.
The snakes blessed Astika Muni and declared that anyone who worshipped them on this day would be protected from snake-related fears. Since then, the day has been celebrated as Nag Panchami.
Devotees believe that worshipping Nag Devta on Nag Panchami brings peace, prosperity and protection. Many also perform rituals to seek relief from fears associated with snakes and other difficulties.
The festival also represents the importance of respecting nature and maintaining harmony between humans and other living beings. In many parts of India, people visit temples, offer prayers and perform special rituals dedicated to serpent deities.
With its deep connection to mythology, devotion and ancient traditions, Nag Panchami continues to hold a special place among India's cultural festivals.
