Why is Goddess Manasa worshipped on Nag Panchami in Bengal?

Goddess Manasa is the folk deity of snakes in Bengal. Worshipping Manasa Devi on Nag Panchami brings protection from snakebites, cures ailments, and ensures family harmony.

Nag Panchami 2026(নাগ পঞ্চমী ২০২৬)

1433 Bengali Panjika • Verified Dates & Timings

Nag Panchami 2026 — milk offering to serpent deity idol

Looking for calendar views and tithis?

Read more about the exact tithi timings and planetary alignments in our comprehensive September 2026 Calendar.

View September Calendar →

About Nag Panchami

উৎসব পরিচিতি

Nag Panchami 2026 falls on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Nagas (serpent deities) observed on the Panchami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Shravana/Bhadra month. In Bengal, Nag Panchami is deeply intertwined with the worship of Goddess Manasa (the snake goddess of Bengali folklore and Mangalkavya mythology). Devotees offer milk, kheer, and khoi (puffed paddy) to serpent idols or ant-hills, praying for protection against snakebites and family prosperity.

History:

In ancient Vedic traditions, snakes represent cosmic energy, rain, and agricultural fertility (Sheshnag holding the Earth, Vasuki serving as the churning rope in Samudra Manthan).

In Bengali cultural history, Nag Panchami is inseparable from the Manasa Mangal Kavya — the medieval epic telling the story of Chand Sadagar's conflict and eventual devotion to Goddess Manasa, and the legendary love and courage of Behula who saved her husband Lakhindar.

Significance:

Nag Panchami is observed with reverence across Bengal. Traditional customs strictly prohibit tilling land, digging soil, or cutting trees on Nag Panchami to avoid harming any creatures.

Families offer fresh milk (Doodh), Kheer, and Khoi at home altars or local Shiva and Manasa temples. It is considered an auspicious day for seeking peace, health, and freedom from Sarpa Dosha.