Naga Panchami
Date : 4 August, 2011
Venue : All over India
Naga Panchami, dedicated to the worship of snakes, known as Nagas, is an important Hindu festival celebrated across the country.
Nagas are worshipped by Hindus and two of their most popular gods, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are always depicted with snakes. Lord Vishnu reclines on the giant snake named Ananta floating on the divine Milky Ocean while Lord Shiva has ornamented his neck with a serpent. The close association that these gods have with snakes has deep symbolic meaning.
The festival is celebrated in the month of Sravan, at the peak of the monsoon – the time when snakes are seen in abundance. During this time, pujas deifying snakes are performed.
While in some areas, live snakes are worshipped, in others, ritualistic prayers are performed in front of an image or a dough effigy. One of the most important aspects of the worship is the ritualistic bathing of a snake, or its idol, with milk. This is done to the accompaniment of the music of a snake charmer. Lord Shiva is also worshipped at this time.
The day-long festivities for Naga Panchami include, among other things, fairs, music and dance performances, magic shows and gymnastic feats.
Venue : All over India
Naga Panchami, dedicated to the worship of snakes, known as Nagas, is an important Hindu festival celebrated across the country.
Nagas are worshipped by Hindus and two of their most popular gods, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are always depicted with snakes. Lord Vishnu reclines on the giant snake named Ananta floating on the divine Milky Ocean while Lord Shiva has ornamented his neck with a serpent. The close association that these gods have with snakes has deep symbolic meaning.
The festival is celebrated in the month of Sravan, at the peak of the monsoon – the time when snakes are seen in abundance. During this time, pujas deifying snakes are performed.
While in some areas, live snakes are worshipped, in others, ritualistic prayers are performed in front of an image or a dough effigy. One of the most important aspects of the worship is the ritualistic bathing of a snake, or its idol, with milk. This is done to the accompaniment of the music of a snake charmer. Lord Shiva is also worshipped at this time.
The day-long festivities for Naga Panchami include, among other things, fairs, music and dance performances, magic shows and gymnastic feats.
