Naga Panchami 2026: Date, Serpent Worship, Story & Mantra
Naga Panchami 2026 (~17 August): worship of the Naga Devatas — significance, the kathas (Kaliya, Astika), puja vidhi, mantra and Sarpa-dosha relief.
Naga Panchami 2026 (~17 August): worship of the Naga Devatas — significance, the kathas (Kaliya, Astika), puja vidhi, mantra and Sarpa-dosha relief.
Naga Panchami honours the Naga Devatas — the serpent deities revered as protectors of the earth, water and the household. In 2026 it falls around 17 August (Shravana Shukla Panchami), within Shravana Masam 2026.
Naga Panchami 2026 Date
- Date: ~17 August 2026 (Shravana Shukla Panchami) — confirm locally
- Deities: the nine Nagas (Ananta/Shesha, Vasuki, Takshaka…) and Subrahmanya
- Also: observed as Garuda Panchami in some regions
Significance
Serpents hold a sacred place in Sanatana Dharma — Shesha bears the worlds and serves as Vishnu’s couch, Vasuki adorns Shiva’s neck, and Subrahmanya is worshipped in serpent form. Naga Panchami is kept for family wellbeing, fertility and protection, and is a traditional remedy for Sarpa and Kala Sarpa dosha.
Story & Katha
Several stories surround the day: Lord Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna; and the sage Astika halting King Janamejaya’s serpent-sacrifice (sarpa yagna) on this Panchami, saving the Naga race. The day celebrates harmony between humans and the serpent world.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi
- Bathe and take a sankalpam; clean the puja space.
- Worship a Naga idol, snake-stone or anthill (putta) with milk, turmeric, kumkum and flowers.
- Offer naivedya; keep a fast and pray for the family’s protection.
- Avoid digging the earth or harming any creature on this day.
Mantra
Naga: ॐ नागराजाय नमः · oṃ nāgarājāya namaḥ · ఓం నాగరాజాయ నమః.
Navanaga: अनन्तं वासुकिं शेषं पद्मनाभं च कम्बलम्… — invoking the nine serpent lords.
How the Diaspora Observes Naga Panchami
Subrahmanya and Shiva temples across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, the UAE and Germany hold Naga puja and Sarpa-dosha remedies on this day. At home, offer milk and turmeric before a Naga image or photo and chant the Naga mantra.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Naga Panchami 2026?
Naga Panchami falls around 17 August 2026 (Shravana Shukla Panchami). Confirm the exact day with your local panchang.
Who is worshipped on Naga Panchami?
The Naga Devatas — serpent deities such as Ananta (Shesha), Vasuki and Takshaka — and Lord Subrahmanya/Nagula, revered as protectors and as a remedy for Sarpa/Kala Sarpa dosha.
How is Naga Panchami observed?
Devotees worship Naga idols, snake-stones or anthills with milk, turmeric and flowers, keep a fast, and pray for family wellbeing and protection. Digging the earth is traditionally avoided.
What is the main mantra?
Om Nagarajaya Namah, and the Navanaga stotra: "Anantam Vasukim Shesham Padmanabham cha Kambalam…".
Key Takeaways
- Naga Panchami 2026: ~17 August (Shravana Shukla Panchami).
- Serpent deities worshipped for protection & Sarpa-dosha relief.
- Offer milk & turmeric; chant Om Nagarajaya Namah.
