Nag Panchami in Nepal: Tradition, Importance, and Significance
Nag Panchami is a revered Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal, dedicated to the worship of serpents, or Nagas. Observed on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shrawan (July/August), this festival holds deep cultural and religious significance, reflecting Nepal’s rich heritage. The festival’s origins are rooted in ancient legends, particularly the story of the Kathmandu Valley, once a vast lake inhabited by Nagas. According to myth, the lake was drained by the Bodhisattva Manjushree, and in return for their disturbed habitat, the Nagas were appeased by an annual ritual, which evolved into Nag Panchami. This tale underscores the Nagas' role as guardians of water bodies and agricultural prosperity. Nag Panchami is crucial for both religious devotion and ecological awareness. In Hinduism, serpents symbolize fertility, protection, and prosperity. Worshiping them is believed to ensure good harvests, timely rains, and protection from snakebites, making the festival p...