Naga Panchami

Celebrated on the fifth day of the moonlit-fortnight in the month of July /August, the festival of Nag Panchami (festival of snakes) is devoted to the worship of the Nagas – the divine serpents. Originated from deep within the Nepali culture and its rich traditions that have survived for thousands of years the festival of Nag Panchami has special significance in the lives of the Nepalese people. On this day, picture of the Naga are stuck over the doorposts of all the houses early in the morning as protective spell and hymn are song in praise of the Snake Gods. Prayers are said during the festival while people wearing demon mask dance in the street entertaining the unusually large gathering of crowd and participants. Offerings are also made to the Serpent Kings during the festival in which the residents leave various food items such as milk and honey in their gardens for the Nagas or the Snakes. These offerings and prayers in turn are honored by the Serpent Kings by ensuring rain and protection for the people of the Kingdom.


This particular day also marks the beginning of Gunialakhe dance in Kathmandu in which persons wearing masks of a demon entertain the people with their gimmick.

Glance of Nepal