Kathmandu: The Nag Panchami Festival, observed on the Shrawan Shukla Panchami according to the lunar calendar, is being celebrated today by Hindus across the country. The festival is traditionally marked by worshipping Nag, the snake god, and placing a picture of the deity above the main entrance of homes.
It is believed that displaying the picture of the snake god protects families from dangers such as snakes, scorpions, fire, and lightning. The origins of Nag Puja trace back to the Vedic era, where Nag is revered as the king of snakes.
Special prayers and rituals are being held at significant sites like Nagpokhari and Taudaha in Kathmandu, Siddhapokhari in Bhaktapur, and various other ponds and shrines across the country. Devotees offer the snake god cow milk, Akshata (uncooked rice), Dubo grass, rice pudding, and Roti, following the age-old customs.
