Nag Panchami will be observed on Monday, August 17, 2026, across most parts of India. In Gujarat, where a different lunar calendar is followed, Nag Panchami will be observed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This sacred festival is dedicated to Nag Devtas.
Most of India
Gujarat
If you have noticed people celebrating Nag Panchami on different dates, there's a simple reason: not every region follows the same traditions while calculating the festival. Across most of India, Nag Panchami is observed on Shravan Shukla Panchami, which falls on August 17.
Meanwhile, in Gujarat, the festival is traditionally observed on Shravan Krishna Panchami. Since Gujarat follows the Amanta calendar, this Nag Panchami falls on September 1. Both dates are correct and are followed according to regional tradition.
Religiously, this festival is dedicated to the worship of Nag Devtas, who hold a sacred place in Sanatan Dharma. Nag Devtas are closely associated with Bhagwan Shiv, who wears the serpent king “Vasuki” around his neck, and Bhagwan Vishnu, who rests upon “Sheshnag”. This festival is also associated with Bhagwan Krishna, who conquered the deadly snake “Kaliya” and saved the people of Gokul from death. Since Nag Panchami falls during the holy month of Shravan, it is considered an even more auspicious occasion for worship and devotion.
However, besides having a religious significance, Nag Panchami also contains an important cultural message. During the monsoon, snakes naturally come out of their underground homes because of the rains. Nag Panchami reminds people to respect and protect them instead of harming them. In Hindu culture, the snakes also are considered the friends of farmers as they can prevent rodents from destroying agricultural products.
The most well-known story of Nag Panchami is connected with King Janamejaya and Sage Astika. King Janamejaya's father, King Parikshit, lost his life after being bitten by Takshak Nag. Filled with anger, Janamejaya organised a powerful Sarpa Yajna to destroy every serpent.
As countless serpents began falling into the sacred fire, Sage Astika came to the yajna and requested the king to stop it. He explained that not every serpent was responsible for his father's death and that destroying an entire race would be unjust. The king listened to the sage's words and ended the yajna.
It is believed that this happened on Nag Panchami, and since then, devotees have worshipped Nag Devtas with respect instead of fear.
Another popular story tells how Bhagwan Krishna defeated Kaliya Nag, freeing the Yamuna River from his poisonous waters and protecting the people of Gokul.
Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before beginning the day's worship. Many observe a vrat (fast) according to their health and family tradition and visit Nag Devta or Bhagwan Shiv temples to offer prayers. They offer milk, water, turmeric, kumkum, flowers, sweets, and kheer to Nag Devta idols or images.
In many homes, people draw or place images of Nag Devtas near the entrance as a symbol of protection. Devotees also avoid digging the soil, ploughing fields, or cutting grass on this day so that snakes are not harmed. Some also perform special prayers to seek relief from Kaal Sarp Dosh, according to their faith and family tradition.
Many devotees also listen/read the Nag Panchami vrat katha, chant “Sarve Nagah Priyantam Me Ye Kechit Prithivitale, Ye Cha Helimarichistha Ye-Antare Divi Samsthitaah” mantra, or perform “Kaal Sarp Dosh puja.”
Nag Panchami will be observed on Monday, August 17, 2026, across most parts of India. In Gujarat, the festival will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, according to local tradition.
Puja muhurat is from 5:51 AM to 8:29 AM.
No. Today, many devotees offer milk to a Nag Devta idol or image instead. As doing so, allows the ritual to be performed without causing harm to living snakes.
Yes. If you cannot visit a temple, you can book a Nag Panchami Kaal Sarp Dosh Puja online through Sanatan Sansaar. The puja is performed by experienced pandits in your name and gotra. Plus, the package starts from just Rs 101.