Nag Panchami, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes, is being observed today with traditional fervor across Nepal.
On this auspicious day, believed to be the fifth day of the Shrawan Shukla lunar month, devotees offer prayers and worship to snake deities to seek protection from snakes, scorpions, and natural calamities like fire, lightning, and floods.
The festival involves the ceremonial hanging of snake images on house doors, accompanied by offerings of milk, rice, and other sacred items. Eight specific snake deities are traditionally honored during this occasion.
Nag Panchami is also considered the beginning of the festive season in Nepal. The festival attracts large crowds to sacred ponds and temples dedicated to snake deities, such as Nag Pokhari and Toudah in Kathmandu, Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur, and numerous other sites across the country.
