Nag Panchami is a centuries-old Hindu festival celebrated on the fifth day of the bright lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Shrawan, which usually falls in July or August. The festival is dedicated to Nagas divine serpent deities who hold an important place in Hindu, Buddhist, and local Nepali traditions. In Nepal, the day carries a unique blend of religious reverence, agricultural importance, and environmental awareness.

According to belief, Nagas are the guardians of water sources such as rivers, springs, lakes, and wells. In an agrarian society like Nepal, water is essential for rice cultivation and sustaining life, so worshipping the Nagas is seen as a way to invite good rainfall, ensure agricultural prosperity, and protect the land from droughts or floods. Mythological stories, including Lord Krishna’s victory over the serpent Kaliya Naag and references in scriptures like the Mahabharata and Skanda Purana, reinforce the idea of Nagas as powerful protectors and providers.

On this day, families paste printed or hand-drawn images of Nagas above the entrance of their homes to ward off misfortune and evil spirits. Devotees visit sacred sites such as Nag Pokhari in Kathmandu, Taudaha Lake, and other snake-related shrines to offer milk, rice pudding (kheer), flowers, red powder (abir), and dubo grass. In many rural areas, people also perform rituals near wells, ponds, and fields, symbolically honoring nature and the water cycle.

Beyond its spiritual dimension, Nag Panchami serves as a traditional reminder of the need to respect and conserve water resources, avoid polluting natural habitats, and live in harmony with all creatures, including snakes. It reflects Nepal’s deep-rooted culture of combining faith, environmental stewardship, and community celebration into one festival that has been passed down for generations.

At the Children’s Home, we observed Nag Panchami by honoring the traditional custom of pasting Naga images above the entrance of our home. This symbolic act represents seeking the blessings and protection of the divine serpent deities, who are believed to guard against misfortune and ensure prosperity. The children joyfully participated in the activity, learning about the cultural and religious significance of Nag Panchami, including the role of Nagas as protectors of water sources and the importance of respecting nature. Through this simple yet meaningful celebration, we preserved an age-old tradition while also helping the children connect with Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.