Nag Pancham 2026 in Gujarat will be observed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. In Gujarat, Nag Pancham is observed on the Panchami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Shravan month. On this day, devotees worship Nag Devta, remember religious stories associated with the Nagas, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. In Gujarat, this festival is known as Nag Pancham, whereas in many other parts of India, Nag Panchami is observed on the Panchami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of Shravan.
According to religious beliefs, Nag Pancham is associated with the worship of Nag Devtas, devotion to Lord Shiva, and respect for serpents. On this day, devotees remember Nagas such as Sheshnag, Vasuki, and Takshak. In many places, milk, turmeric, Akshat, Roli, and flowers are offered to an image or idol of Nag Devta.
When is Nag Pancham 2026?
Nag Pancham 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. According to the Gujarati Panchang, it falls on Shravan Vad Pancham, which is the Panchami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha.
Nag Pancham 2026 Date and Time
• Nag Pancham: September 1, 2026, Tuesday
• Panchami Tithi Begins: September 1, 2026, at 7:44 AM
• Panchami Tithi Ends: September 2, 2026, at 6:14 AM
• Paksha: Krishna Paksha
• Month: Shravan, Gujarati Calendar
• Region: Gujarat
The difference between the dates of Nag Pancham in Gujarat and Nag Panchami observed in North India is due to the different lunar calendar traditions followed in these regions. In Gujarat, Nag Pancham falls on the Krishna Paksha Panchami of Shravan, while in many parts of North India, Nag Panchami is observed on the Shukla Paksha Panchami of Shravan.
Why is Milk Offered to Snakes on Nag Pancham?
The tradition of worshipping Nag Devta and offering milk is followed in several regions on Nag Pancham. From a religious perspective, offering milk is considered a symbol of devotion and respect toward Nag Devta.
During the puja, milk, water, turmeric, Akshat, Roli, and flowers may be offered to an idol or image of Nag Devta. It should not be considered necessary to catch live snakes or force them to drink milk. Using an idol or symbolic representation of Nag Devta for worship is a safer and more appropriate approach.
According to religious beliefs, the worship of Nag Devtas is associated with prayers for protection from fear of snakes, family well-being, and prosperity. These beliefs should be understood within the context of religious tradition.
Nag Pancham Story: Why Did Kadru Curse the Nagas?
One of the prominent stories associated with Nag Pancham mentions Kashyapa Muni, Kadru, Vinata, and their Naga sons.
According to the story, Kadru, the daughter of Daksha, was married to Sage Kashyapa. Pleased with her devotion and service, Kashyapa Muni asked her to seek a boon. Kadru asked for a hundred sons. According to the religious narrative, she was subsequently blessed with a hundred Naga sons.
Once, during the churning of the ocean, a beautiful white horse emerged, known as Uchchaihshrava. Seeing the horse, Kadru told her co-wife Vinata that although the horse was white, its hair was black. Vinata disagreed and said that even the horse's hair was white.
The disagreement turned into a challenge. They agreed that if the horse's hair proved to be black, Vinata would become Kadru's servant, and if the hair was white, Kadru would become Vinata's servant.
According to the story, Kadru instructed her Naga sons to make themselves very small and sit in the horse's tail so that its hair would appear black. However, several of her sons refused to obey her command, considering the act to be against Dharma.
Angered by her sons' disobedience, Kadru cursed them, saying that in the future, the Nagas would be destroyed in the Sarpa Yajna performed by King Janamejaya.
How Did Astika Muni Save the Nagas from the Curse?
According to the story, the frightened Nagas approached Lord Brahma after Kadru's curse. They were told that in the future, a son named Astika would be born from the lineage of Jaratkaru and that he would protect the Nagas.
As time passed, King Janamejaya came to believe that snakes were responsible for the death of his ancestors and began a Sarpa Yajna, or serpent sacrifice, with the intention of destroying the Naga lineage. During the ritual, many Nagas were drawn into the sacrificial fire.
When Astika learned about the Yajna, he went to the place where the ritual was being performed. He requested King Janamejaya to stop the sacrifice. According to the religious narrative, the king accepted Astika's request and the Sarpa Yajna was stopped.
In this way, Astika saved the Nagas from destruction. The tradition of Nag Pancham is also associated with this story of protecting the Nagas and honoring the Naga Devtas.
How to Perform Nag Pancham Puja?
On Nag Pancham, devotees may worship Nag Devta according to their family and regional traditions.
Puja Samagri
• Image or idol of Nag Devta
• Water
• Raw milk
• Turmeric
• Akshat
• Roli or Kumkum
• Flowers
• Incense and lamp
• Naivedya
Nag Pancham Puja Vidhi
1. Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Clean the puja area and place an image or idol of Nag Devta.
3. Remember and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
4. Offer water and milk to Nag Devta.
5. Offer turmeric, Akshat, Roli, and flowers.
6. Light incense and a lamp and worship Nag Devta.
7. Remember Sheshnag, Vasuki, Takshak, and other Naga Devtas.
8. Chant mantras and perform Aarti according to your faith and tradition.
9. Pray for the happiness, peace, health, and safety of your family.
In religious tradition, Nag Pancham may also be regarded as an occasion to express gratitude toward the Naga Devtas and remember their significance in nature.
Which Naga Devtas Are Worshipped on Nag Pancham?
Several Naga Devtas are remembered in religious traditions. Some of the prominent ones include:
• Sheshnag
• Vasuki Nag
• Takshak Nag
• Anant Nag
• Karkotak Nag
• Padma Nag
• Mahapadma Nag
These Naga Devtas are mentioned in different religious traditions and narratives.
Religious Significance of Nag Pancham
The significance of Nag Pancham is not limited to serpent worship. The festival is also associated with nature, Naga traditions, and religious beliefs connected with Lord Shiva.
It is believed that worshipping Nag Devta helps devotees overcome fear of snakes and brings peace and well-being to the family. Many devotees pray to Nag Devta for the protection and prosperity of their families.
The festival also reminds people of the importance of respecting living beings and nature.
What Should You Do on Nag Pancham?
• Worship Nag Devta with devotion.
• Remember and worship Lord Shiva.
• Offer milk, water, and flowers to an image or idol of Nag Devta.
• Listen to religious stories associated with the Nagas.
• Do not disturb or harm live snakes.
• Follow a fast or consume a Sattvic diet according to your family tradition.
What Should You Avoid on Nag Pancham?
On Nag Pancham, one should not catch snakes, disturb them, or mistreat them in any way. An image or idol of Nag Devta can be used for worship.
The purpose of a religious festival should be to strengthen the भावना of devotion, worship, and protection.
Nag Pancham 2026 FAQs
When is Nag Pancham 2026?
In Gujarat, Nag Pancham will be observed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. It falls on the Panchami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of Shravan.
Why are Nag Pancham and Nag Panchami observed on different dates?
In Gujarat, Nag Pancham is observed on the Krishna Paksha Panchami of Shravan, whereas in many other parts of India, Nag Panchami is observed on the Shukla Paksha Panchami of Shravan.
Why is milk offered on Nag Pancham?
According to religious tradition, offering milk is considered a symbol of devotion and respect toward Nag Devta. It can be offered to an idol or image of Nag Devta.
Which Naga Devtas are worshipped on Nag Pancham?
Sheshnag, Vasuki, Takshak, Anant, and other Naga Devtas are remembered and worshipped according to different religious traditions.
Who was Astika in the Nag Pancham story?
According to the religious narrative, Astika stopped King Janamejaya's Sarpa Yajna and saved the Nagas from destruction. This story is associated with the tradition of protecting and honoring the Nagas.
Is it necessary to feed milk to a live snake on Nag Pancham?
No. For religious worship, milk may be offered to an idol or image of Nag Devta. Catching live snakes or forcing them to drink milk is not necessary.
Nag Pancham is a distinctive religious festival associated with the traditions of Gujarat, where the worship of Naga Devtas, remembrance of Lord Shiva, and respect for serpents are central to the observance. The story of Kadru's curse and Astika's role in protecting the Nagas adds deeper religious significance to the festival.
Along with worship, Nag Pancham also provides an opportunity to develop a sense of respect toward nature and living beings.
