July 28, 2025

Nag Panchami is one of the most intriguing and spiritually charged festivals in Nepal, celebrated in reverence to the Nāgas—mythical serpent deities associated with water, fertility, rain, and protection. Falling on the fifth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Shrawan (July–August), this ancient festival bridges Hindu mythology, animist beliefs, and natural reverence into a single, symbolic event.

The serpent deities, particularly Sheshnag, Basuki, and Karkotak, are revered as powerful protectors of the natural world—guardians of underground treasures, rivers, lakes, and the cycle of rain. In a country so deeply dependent on monsoon agriculture, Nag Panchami is more than symbolic; it’s a cultural prayer for ecological balance and protection from calamities like droughts, floods, or snakebites.

On this day, people post images of nagas (either hand-drawn or printed) above the doors of their homes, temples, or cow sheds as a gesture of appeasement and protection. Offerings of milk, honey, rice pudding, dubo grass, and flowers are made either at Nag temples, sacred ponds, or traditional naga stones. In many places, devotees visit Nag Pokhari in Kathmandu or Taudha Lake in the south of the valley—both considered sacred serpent abodes.

While Nag Panchami is celebrated across Nepal, it is especially vibrant in Newar communities, where serpent imagery is widespread in local architecture, wood carvings, and water spouts (hiti). The festival also aligns with the monsoon season, reinforcing the spiritual connection between humans and the elemental forces of water, soil, and life.

For visitors, Nag Panchami offers a compelling window into Nepal’s nature-based spirituality and ancient Hindu-Vedic traditions. It’s a quieter festival than many others but rich in symbolism—reminding us of the deep respect Himalayan cultures hold for all living beings, even those feared or misunderstood.

Time of Year: July–August (Shrawan Sukla Panchami; 5th day of the waxing moon)

Who Celebrates: Hindus across Nepal, especially Brahmin, Newar, and farming communities

Location: Nationwide; especially important in Kathmandu (Nag Pokhari), Bhaktapur, and Taudaha Lake

What to Expect: Snake deity images posted on doors, offerings of milk and flowers at sacred sites, temple visits

Interesting Facts:

  • The festival coincides with peak monsoon, symbolizing water and fertility
  • Serpent deities are believed to live under water bodies and sacred trees
  • The Karkot Naga, a legendary serpent king, is associated with Taudaha Lake in Kathmandu