Nag Panchami 2026 is being celebrated today, Monday, August 17, across several parts of India. The festival falls on the Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan and is dedicated to the worship of Nag Devta or serpent deities.

This year, Nag Panchami also coincides with the third Shravan Somwar, making the day especially important for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Nag Panchami 2026 Date and Tithi

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Panchami Tithi begins at 4:52 PM on August 16, 2026, and ends at 5:00 PM on August 17.

Since the Panchami Tithi prevails on August 17 during the relevant daytime period, Nag Panchami will be observed on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Nag Panchami 2026

• Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
• Panchami Tithi begins: August 16 at 4:52 PM
• Panchami Tithi ends: August 17 at 5:00 PM
• Festival: Nag Panchami
• Month: Shravan
• Paksha: Shukla Paksha

Nag Panchami 2026 Puja Muhurat

The exact Puja Muhurat can vary slightly depending on the city and local sunrise time.

For many locations in India, the morning Puja window is around 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM. For example, Drik Panchang lists 5:33 AM to 8:09 AM for Shahganj, while timings in other locations differ.

Therefore, devotees should follow the local Panchang for the most accurate timing in their city.

Why Is Nag Panchami Celebrated?

Nag Panchami is an important Hindu festival dedicated to serpent deities.

In Hindu traditions, snakes are closely associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva is traditionally depicted with a serpent around his neck, while Sheshnag has an important place in Vaishnav traditions.

Devotees worship Nag Devta on this day and pray for the well-being, protection and prosperity of their families.

The festival also reflects the traditional belief of respecting snakes and maintaining harmony with nature.

Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi

Devotees can perform Nag Devta Puja at a temple or at home according to their family traditions.

A simple traditional Puja may include:

1. Take a bath and clean the Puja area.
2. Place an image or idol of Nag Devta.
3. Offer flowers, sandalwood and water.
4. Offer milk or other traditional bhog as followed in your family.
5. Light a diya and incense.
6. Chant Nag Devta mantras.
7. Offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
8. Perform the Puja with devotion and seek blessings for the family.

The exact rituals can differ across regions and communities.

What Bhog Is Offered on Nag Panchami?

Traditional offerings vary by region, but devotees commonly prepare items such as milk, fruits, sweets, kheer and other vegetarian offerings.

Some traditions also include bananas and different types of sweets as part of the bhog.

Devotees should follow their local customs rather than treating one particular offering as compulsory.

12 Nagas Worshipped on Nag Panchami

Traditional Nag Panchami worship includes several important serpent deities.

The commonly mentioned 12 Nagas are:

• Ananta
• Vasuki
• Shesha
• Padma
• Mahapadma
• Takshaka
• Karkotaka
• Kaliya
• Ashvatara
• Dhananjaya
• Shankhapala
• Dhritarashtra

Different texts and regional traditions can have variations in the names or order of the Nagas worshipped.

Nag Panchami and Lord Shiva

Nag Panchami has a strong connection with Lord Shiva.

The serpent around Lord Shiva's neck is one of his well-known symbols. Because of this connection, many devotees visit Shiva temples on Nag Panchami and perform Jalabhishek and other forms of worship.

This year, the festival falls on the third Shravan Somwar, bringing the worship of Nag Devta and Lord Shiva together on the same day.

What Should You Avoid on Nag Panchami?

Traditional customs differ from one region to another, but some communities observe certain restrictions on Nag Panchami.

These may include avoiding activities that could harm snakes or disturb their habitats. In some traditions, digging or disturbing the ground is avoided on this day.

Devotees should also avoid harming or disturbing real snakes in the name of religious rituals.

Nag Panchami 2026 in Gujarat

There is an important regional difference this year.

While Nag Panchami is being observed on August 17 across much of India, Gujarat follows a different regional calendar for this festival. Reports list September 1, 2026 as the Nag Panchami date in Gujarat.

So, people in Gujarat should follow their regional Panchang rather than the general India date.

Nag Panchami Mantra

Devotees traditionally chant prayers and mantras dedicated to Nag Devta during the Puja.

A commonly recited prayer is:

“Om Anantaya Namah, Om Vasukaye Namah, Om Sheshaya Namah.”

Devotees may also chant “Om Namah Shivaya” while worshipping Lord Shiva on this day.

Nag Panchami 2026 Significance

Nag Panchami carries religious and cultural importance for millions of devotees.

It is traditionally associated with prayers for family well-being, protection and prosperity. The festival also reminds people to respect nature and living creatures.

For many devotees, the combination of Nag Devta worship and Shravan Somwar makes August 17 a particularly meaningful day for prayers and fasting.

Final Words

Nag Panchami 2026 is being observed on Monday, August 17, with devotees across India offering prayers to Nag Devta and Lord Shiva.

The Panchami Tithi runs from August 16 evening to August 17 evening, while the morning hours are generally considered suitable for Puja. Exact Muhurat can vary according to location, so checking the local Panchang is recommended.

This year's celebration is also special because Nag Panchami coincides with the third Shravan Somwar, adding to its religious importance.

FAQs

When is Nag Panchami 2026?

Nag Panchami 2026 is being celebrated on Monday, August 17, 2026.

What is the Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat?

The Puja Muhurat varies by location. In many places, the morning window falls roughly between 5:30 AM and 8:30 AM. Local Panchang timings should be followed.

When does Nag Panchami Tithi start and end?

The Panchami Tithi begins at 4:52 PM on August 16 and ends at 5:00 PM on August 17, 2026.

Which Nagas are worshipped on Nag Panchami?

Traditional worship includes 12 Nagas, including Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshaka and Karkotaka, among others.

What is offered as bhog on Nag Panchami?

Milk, fruits, sweets, kheer and other traditional vegetarian offerings are commonly used, though customs vary by region.

Is Nag Panchami connected to Lord Shiva?

Yes. Nag Devta worship is closely associated with Lord Shiva, who is traditionally depicted with a serpent around his neck.

Is Nag Panchami on the same date everywhere in India?

Not always. Gujarat follows a different regional calendar this year and observes Nag Panchami on September 1, 2026.

What should devotees avoid on Nag Panchami?

Traditional practices vary, but many communities avoid activities that may harm or disturb snakes and their habitats.