Nag Panchami being marked today

Kathmandu, Aug. 9 : The Nag Panchami Festival that falls on the Shrawan Shukla Panchami as per the lunar calendar is being observed today across the country by Hindus as per the time-honoured tradition.    

The festival is being marked by worshipping Nag or the snake god and pasting a picture of the snake god above the main door of the house. 

  
It is believed that sticking the picture of the snake god safeguards the family from snakes and scorpions, fire and lightning.    

Nag Puja is believed to have started in the Vedic time and Nag is considered the king of snakes as per the Vedic tradition.    

Special Pujas are being offered at Nagpokhari and Taudaha in Kathmandu, Siddhapokhari in Bhaktapur and several other ponds and shrines across the country this day.    

After worshipping, the snake god is offered cow milk, Akshata, Dubo grass, rice pudding and Roti with due respect.  (RSS)