Rituals of Nag Panchami

Rituals

On the occasion of Nag Panchami, women worship the Snake god or the Nag Devta and offer milk to the serpents. It symbolizes the offering of milk to the snake gods. Women pray for the well being of their brothers and family members.
As many as 12 serpent gods are worshipped on this day which is believed to be very auspicious.

Devotees pray to Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padma, Kambala, Karkotaka, Ashvatara, Dhritarashtra, Shankhapala, Kaliya, Takshaka, and Pingala gods.

Nag Panchami Puja:

Many women observe fasting a day before the festival. Some even fast on an actual day. Offer milk or kheer to the snake god or Lord Shiva. Avoid consuming food that has salt.

Apply Haldi and Kumkum on snake holes and offer flowers.

Then chant the Nag Panchami pooja mantra to seek blessings from the snake gods.

Sarva Nagaah preeyantam mey yey kechit prithivithaley

Yey cha helimarichistha yentarey divi samstithah

Yey Nadeeshu Mahanaga ye Sarasvatigaaminah

Yey cha Vaapeetadageshu teshu sarveshu vai namah

Nag Panchami Sweet Recipes

On this day, people go to temples to worship snake deities, and in some cases to snake pits to worship real snakes, where they make offerings like milk, sweets, and flowers to the snakes. During the festival, women observe a fast or vrat, where they abstain from food, signifying devotion, and discipline. It lasts from sunrise till sunset.

No fried or salty food is prepared on this auspicious day. The dishes prepared vary from region to region, and with the festival beckoning, we will take a look at some popular Nag Panchami recipes to revitalize yourself on this auspicious occasion. Here are a few of the delicious dishes you can try –

Til Ke Laddoo