Nag Panchami

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

On Nag Panchami the nagas, serpent deities, and snakes are worshipped with milk, sweets, flowers and lamps: images of silver, stone or wood, or paintings on the wall, are bathed with water and milk, and in villages offerings are made at the anthills where snakes are thought to live. Digging the earth is taboo that day, as it could harm snakes. It is observed by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists throughout Nepal and in parts of India.