Nag Panchami 2025 being celebrated across Nepal

Nag Panchami is being celebrated across Nepal today by worshipping serpents, as per tradition. This festival falls every year on the fifth day of the bright half of the Nepali month of Shrawan.

People believe that pasting pictures of snakes on the main entrance of their homes after offering prayers will protect them from snakes, scorpions, and similar creatures for the rest of the year. It is also believed to guard against fire, storms, and lightning.

Though there are twelve mythical serpents, it is traditional to worship eight main ones: Ananta, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshaka, Kaliya (Kulīr), Karkata, and Shankha. Pictures or idols of these eight snakes are worshipped by priests and pasted above the main door of houses.

On this day, it is considered inauspicious to plough fields or harm snakes and other crawling creatures after placing the pictures.

Large crowds have gathered at popular serpent worship sites such as Nag Pokhari and Taudaha in Kathmandu, Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur, and various ponds and serpent shrines across the country.

Devotees offer milk, rice grains, dubo grass, rice pudding (kheer), and special bread (roti) as offerings during the rituals.

There is also a belief that snakes absorb harmful poisons found in nature, helping protect humans and animals. Because of this, ancient sages introduced the tradition of worshipping serpents.

Nag Panchami also marks the beginning of Nepal’s festive season.