Nag Panchami: A Celebration of Serpent Worship in Nepal (Photo Feature)

Nag Panchami, or "Nāga Panchami," is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal, dedicated to the worship of Nāgas, the revered serpent deities. Falling on the fifth day of the bright half of Shravana, typically in July or August, this festival embodies deep religious, cultural, and ecological traditions.

In Nepal, the worship of Nāg is rooted in ancient myths, particularly those associated with the Kathmandu Valley. Legend has it that the valley was once a vast lake inhabited by Nāgas. The Buddhist saint Manjushri is said to have drained this lake, making the land habitable while ensuring the Nāgas had designated sacred spaces, which are still worshipped today.

Nāgs are considered guardians of water sources, vital for agriculture in Nepal’s agrarian society. Their worship during Nag Panchami is believed to protect against snake bites, natural calamities, and to ensure prosperity and fertility.

On Nag Panchami, Nepali families place images of serpents above their doors, offering milk, honey, and rice to appease the Nāgs and protect their homes. Devotees also visit Nāg temples, such as the sacred pond Taudaha near Kathmandu, where they perform rituals and prayers to honor the Nāga king Karkotak.

In rural areas, farmers observe Nag Panchami with a focus on agriculture, believing that the worship of Nāgs will protect their crops and ensure a good harvest. Feeding milk to live snakes, if encountered, is also part of the ritual.

Nag Panchami is more than a religious festival; it reflects Nepal’s deep connection with nature. By venerating Nāgs, the festival highlights the importance of ecological balance and promotes coexistence with wildlife, particularly snakes.

This festival fosters community spirit, bringing people together to share in the rituals and stories of Nāga worship. It serves as a time of spiritual renewal and a reminder of the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world.

In essence, Nag Panchami in Nepal is a celebration that intertwines mythology, religion, and environmental consciousness, making it a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage.