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5. Nag Panchami:
The Nag Panchami or festival of snakes is celebrated on the fifth day of the moonlit fortnight in the month of Shravan (July /August) according to the Hindu calendar. In Hindu culture, snakes own an important place. Hindu mythologies are filled with tales and stories about snakes, the most chief being the Sheshnag of Lord Vishnu. It is quite understandable that India with such mythological background celebrates Nag Panchami in honor of snakes every year. During the festival people bathe the snakes with milk ensuring their families freedom from danger of snakes. According to myth, ploughing a field is forbidden on this day.
There are numerous legends related with Nag Panchami. One legend has it that a farmer accidentally killed some little serpents. Enraged, the mother of the serpents took vengeance by biting and killing the farmer and his family. One daughter was spared as she was praying to the Nagas. This act resulted in the revival of the farmer and his family. Ever since, Nag Panchami is celebrated in India every year. It is understood that in reward for worship the snakes will not at all harm any member of the family. There is yet another legend which relates to the victory of Lord Krishna over the Kaliya snake. The same is remembered and celebrated this day.
This festival is all about the worship of snakes, which are especially dug out and gathered for the occasion. On the day of Nag Panchami, villagers dance to music and carry the snakes in pots on their heads in procession to the temple. After the rituals are complete, the snakes are taken out from the pots and the temple priest sprinkles haldi-kumkum (tumeric and red powder) and flowers on their raised heads. The snakes are offered plenty of milk and honey, then set free in the temple courtyard.
