Nag Panchami 2025: When and How to Celebrate

Every year millions of people in India mark Nag Panchami to honor snakes, especially cobras. In 2025 the festival falls on July 22 (the fifth day of the bright half of Shravana). If you’re wondering when to plan your visit to a temple or a local mela, that’s the day to mark on your calendar.

Why does the date move? Nag Panchami follows the lunar calendar, so it shifts a few days each year. It’s always the fifth tithi after the full moon in Shravana, which means the Gregorian date changes. Checking a reliable Hindu calendar or a quick online search will keep you from missing it.

Key Dates and Regional Variations

While July 22 is the main day, some regions observe a two‑day celebration. In Bengal and parts of eastern India, people start with a night prayer on the eve of the panchami and then perform the main rites in the morning. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the festivities often stretch into the following day because local fairs and snake‑charmer shows are organized.

If you’re traveling, plan to arrive a day early. Many temples open special puja halls, and local authorities sometimes arrange extra security for the crowds. In Maharashtra, for example, the famous Shree Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai hosts a large gathering where devotees offer milk, flowers, and bangles to a live cobra.

Weather can also affect plans. July is monsoon season in most of the country, so expect rain in the evenings. Carry a waterproof jacket and a quick‑dry towel, especially if you plan to sit on the ground during the puja.

Traditional Rituals and Modern Safety Tips

The core ritual is simple: devotees offer milk, turmeric, kumkum, and flowers to a live snake or its image. In many villages, a trained snake handler brings a cobra to the shrine. The snake is gently coaxed onto a copper plate, and the offering is made while chanting mantras. After the puja, the snake is released back into a safe enclosure.

If you’re attending, follow these safety pointers:

• Never touch the snake yourself. Let the handler do the work.
• Keep a safe distance, especially if you have a fear of snakes.
• Wear closed shoes; a sudden movement could surprise a snake.
• If you’re a child, stay with an adult at all times.
• Respect the animal – no loud shouting or sudden gestures.

Many modern celebrations now use artificial snake idols made of clay or metal, especially in urban temples where live snakes are harder to manage. These idols allow the same symbolic offering without the risk of a bite.

Besides the puja, local fairs offer folk music, dance, and food stalls. Try the traditional “samosa” and “jalebi” – they’re popular snacks during the festival. Some places also have snake‑charmer performances, where you can watch how they handle the cobra with a reed pipe.

Finally, remember that Nag Panchami is more than a ritual; it’s a reminder to respect nature and the creatures that share our world. Whether you’re offering milk to a real cobra or a decorative idol, the spirit of gratitude remains the same.

So, mark July 22, 2025 on your diary, pick a nearby celebration, and enjoy the colors, chants, and community spirit of Nag Panchami. Have fun, stay safe, and honor the serpents in the way our ancestors have for centuries.