Festival guide
Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami, the fifth day of the bright half of Shravana, honours the serpent deities who in tradition guard water, treasure and fertility.
Nag Panchami dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday 17 August | Shravana Shukla Panchami 16 Aug, 16:53 → 17 Aug, 17:00 |
| 2027 | Friday 6 August | Shravana Shukla Panchami 6 Aug, 02:27 → 7 Aug, 00:23 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: tithi at sunrise.
Also known as: Naga Panchami.
Story and significance
Stories include Krishna’s subduing of the serpent Kaliya, and the Nagas Vasuki and Shesha who serve Shiva and Vishnu.
How Nag Panchami is celebrated
- Worship of serpent images drawn or moulded at home, or at anthills and Naga shrines
- Offerings of milk, flowers and turmeric
- Many avoid digging the earth on this day
- In some regions, women fast for the protection of their brothers and families
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Nag Panchami 2026?
Nag Panchami 2026 falls on Monday, 17 August 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Nag Panchami 2027?
Nag Panchami 2027 falls on Friday, 6 August 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Nag Panchami change every year?
Nag Panchami is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Shukla Paksha tithi 5 of Shravana (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Nag Panchami fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.