Nag Panchami: Embracing human-wildlife coexistence in Goa

SNAKE WORSHIP

Nag Panchami was celebrated in Goa with great enthusiasm on Friday, August 9, 2024. On this day, devotees bring home clay idols of the nag (cobra), which are then worshipped.

STEEPED IN TRADITION

The festival is an age-old tradition, especially in many Hindu Goan homes, where they believe that serpents are farmers' friends, since they keep pesky rodents away.

VENERATING THE SERPENT GOD

Fruits, flowers and milk form part of the worship rituals, and are a symbolic gesture seeking protection and blessings from the snake gods.

TIME FOR VISARJAN

The clay idol of a snake is generally kept in homes as part of the celebrations. A visarjan (immersion) of the snake idol is performed in the evening of the same day, marking the conclusion of the festivities and returning the idol to nature.

SPECIAL WISHES

Devotees believe that wishes are granted and fulfilled by the nag deity at the time of performing the puja.

FESTIVE TREAT

On this day, Hindu families in Goa prepare patoleos (containing a coconut and jaggery filling), which are shared among neighbours and friends.

PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE

Many people believe that snakes are friends and should co-exist with humans, as they have an important role in the eco-system.

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