Nag Panchami 2026 Puja Guidelines: The holy month of Sawan is considered especially significant for the worship of Lord Shiva. The festival of Nag Panchami, which falls during this period, holds immense religious importance. This year, Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Monday, August 17. The tradition involves performing *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva alongside the worship of the Serpent Deity (Nag Devta). In 2026, a unique coincidence occurs as Nag Panchami falls on a 'Sawan Monday,' further enhancing the significance of worshipping both Lord Shiva and the Serpent Deity. If you observe Nag Panchami, paying attention to certain details ensures the ritual is completed without obstacles. Often, we make inadvertent mistakes that prevent us from reaping the full benefits of the worship. Let us look at the key points to keep in mind for Nag Panchami...

**Points to Remember for Nag Panchami Puja**
For the Nag Panchami ritual, you may install an image or a clay idol of the Serpent Deity. Offer sandalwood paste, turmeric, flowers, incense, *diya* (lamp), and *naivedya* (sacred food offering). Tradition also dictates offering milk, *kheel* (puffed rice), and other offerings. After the worship, pray to the Serpent Deity for your family's happiness, peace, and freedom from fear.

According to the scriptures, live snakes are not worshipped on Nag Panchami. It is appropriate to worship the Serpent Deity symbolically through an image or an idol. Alternatively, you may bring a pair of silver snakes and worship them; this practice ensures the safety of both the snakes and humans.

Scriptures advise against digging the earth on Nag Panchami. Ploughing or tilling the land is also avoided to prevent harm to snakes and their offspring.

Most importantly, one should refrain from feeding milk to snakes on Nag Panchami. Milk acts like poison to snakes and can even lead to their death. It is said that feeding milk to snakes can sometimes even cause them to go blind. The typical diet of snakes consists of rats, frogs, lizards, and other small creatures. Snakes help control the rat population and protect agricultural fields from them.

On the day of Nag Panchami, one should strictly avoid using iron utensils. Additionally, one should not place a *tawa* (griddle) on the gas stove or cook *rotis* (flatbreads). Doing so may displease the Serpent Deity (Nag Devta) and could potentially lead to the formation of *Kaal Sarp Dosh* in one's horoscope. It is customary to eat *Puri-Halwa* or *Dal-Baati* on this day.

On Nag Panchami, one should refrain from activities like sewing and knitting, as well as using sharp objects such as needles and knives. Furthermore, one should avoid disturbing snakes or any other living creatures, as tormenting them is considered a grave sin. Consuming meat, alcohol, or *tamasic* food (food considered to induce lethargy or ignorance) is also prohibited on this day.

Should one worship Lord Shiva first or the Serpent Deity?
The sequence of worship on Nag Panchami may vary depending on the location and family traditions. However, when the festival coincides with a Monday in the month of *Sawan* (Shravan), a common and simple practice is to first worship Lord Shiva and perform *Jalabhishek* (offering water), followed by the worship of the Serpent Deity. Begin by offering water to the *Shivling*. Then, worship Lord Shiva using *Belpatra* (wood apple leaves), flowers, *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains), sandalwood paste, incense, and *diyas* (lamps). Afterward, perform the ritual worship of the Serpent Deity's image, idol, or symbol. Certain *Panchang* (almanac) sources regarding the 2026 rituals also prescribe the sequence of worshipping the Serpent Deity after worshipping Lord Shiva.

What is the connection between the worship of Lord Shiva and the Serpent Deity?
According to religious beliefs, the Serpent Deity shares a profound bond with Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva wears a serpent around his neck. Therefore, worshipping the Serpent Deity alongside Lord Shiva on Nag Panchami holds special significance. It is believed that performing this worship with devotion dispels fears and obstacles, ensuring happiness and peace within the family.

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