Festival 2026 · Worship of serpents (Shravana Shukla Panchami)
Nag Panchami 2026
Monday, 17 August 2026 (passed)
Tithi begins: Sun 16 Aug, 4:53 PM IST
Tithi ends: Mon 17 Aug, 5:01 PM IST
Times for Delhi. Other cities can differ, sometimes by a day.
About Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is observed on Shravana Shukla Panchami and honours snakes (nagas) as protectors and as symbols linked to Shiva and Vishnu. Offerings of milk, flowers and rice are made at snake idols and anthills.
Digging the earth is traditionally avoided on this day, and it is also a day to pray against fear of snakes and for protection of the household.
How it is observed
- Offering milk, turmeric and flowers to a naga image.
- Recitation of Nag stotras.
- Avoiding digging, cutting or frying on the day in some families.
- Drawing snake figures on the walls and visiting snake temples.
Dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar (tithi) as seen from Delhi and can differ by a day between regions and panchangs. Computed from NASA JPL DE421 Sun and Moon positions. Confirm with your local temple or priest for religious observances.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Nag Panchami in 2026?
Nag Panchami 2026 falls on Monday, 17 August 2026. The tithi begins Sun 16 Aug, 4:53 PM IST and ends Mon 17 Aug, 5:01 PM IST (Delhi).
Is it right to pour milk on a live snake?
No. Milk harms snakes, so worship the image or idol, not a live animal.
Why does the date of Nag Panchami change every year?
Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar, so the date moves against the 365-day calendar by about 11 days a year, then jumps back when an extra (Adhika) month is added.
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