JAMMU, Sep 13: Nag Panchami, a festival dedicated to the worship of Nag Devta (serpent deity), will be celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, September 15, according to Mahant Rohit Shastri, President of Shri Kailakh Jyotish Avim Sansthan Trust (Registered) and Jyotishacharya.
In Hindu scriptures, great importance is attached to various tithis or lunar dates. It is believed that worshipping the deity associated with a particular tithi on that day brings divine blessings and helps devotees fulfil their wishes. Nag Devta is regarded as the presiding deity of Panchami Tithi. Worshipping Nag Devta on this day is traditionally believed to reduce fear and help mitigate the effects associated with Kaal Sarp Dosha.
Mahant Rohit Shastri said that in Jammu and the Duggar region, Nag Panchami is traditionally observed on Rishi Panchami of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada. This year, the festival will be observed on September 15. He noted that different regions of the country follow different traditions for observing Nag Panchami. In Rajasthan and Bengal, it is observed on Panchami of the Krishna Paksha of Shravan, while in North India it is traditionally observed on Panchami of the Shukla Paksha of Shravan.
The festival carries a broader message of respecting all forms of life and maintaining harmony with nature. Snakes have been regarded as sacred in Sanatan Dharma since ancient times and are also an important part of the ecological system. Every species plays a role in maintaining the balance of nature, and the loss or disturbance of any species can affect the ecosystem. Nag Panchami therefore reminds people to protect snakes and avoid harming or disturbing them without reason.
Devotees who are unable to visit a temple can worship Nag Devta at home. If an idol is not available, a serpent figure may traditionally be prepared from pure clay and worshipped. Offerings such as coconut, milk, dakshina, sweet roti, flowers and garlands are traditionally offered at a snake mound or anthill, known locally as baambi or bil. Devotees may also chant the mantra, “Om Kurukulye Hum Phat Swaha,” which is traditionally believed to provide relief from Sarpa Dosha and protection from fears associated with snakes.
As part of the traditional method of worship, one wall of the house is plastered and purified with geru or red ochre. A square design is then prepared using a mixture of charcoal and ghee, within which figures of serpents are drawn. In some traditions, these figures are prepared on paper, while in others they are drawn with sandalwood paste on the entrance door. The figures are then worshipped, while Brahmins are traditionally offered meals and donations are made to people in need.
Mahant Rohit Shastri also highlighted certain special observances associated with Panchami Tithi. According to the traditional belief, the earth should not be dug on Panchami Tithi. People whose horoscopes have unfavourable placements of Rahu and Ketu may perform special worship of Nag Devta on this day. Those who have a fear of snakes, desire children, or have unintentionally caused the death of a snake are also traditionally advised to worship Nag Devta.
On Nag Panchami, serving cows and chanting “Om Nagendraharaaya Namah” are considered meritorious practices. Traditional beliefs also emphasise the protection of snakes and discourage their capture or harm. The festival thus combines spiritual devotion with a message of compassion towards living beings and awareness about the importance of preserving ecological balance.
The traditional Nag Panchami Puja Mantra is: “Om Bhujangeshaya Vidmahe, Sarprajaya Dhimahi, Tanno Nagah Prachodayat.”