Naag Panchami today: Religious, cultural and environmental significance

Naag Panchami , observed every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Shrawan, is being celebrated today by worshipping snakes as tradition dictates. Although there are 12 names of Naags, the tradition of worshipping eight Naags representing eight clans has been followed since the Vedic period.

The eight Naag—Ananta, Vasuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshaka, Kulika, Karkotaka and Shankha—are worshipped by Brahmin priests today, and their images are then placed above the main entrance of homes. It is traditionally believed that after an image of a Naag is placed at the entrance, people should refrain from ploughing or digging in the fields and should not kill snakes, Naags, or other reptiles.