Kathmandu, Aug. 21: According to Hindu tradition, the Nagpanchami festival is being celebrated today by worshiping the Naga or serpent god, with pasting many pictures of a Naga on the front door of the house.
This festival is celebrated every year on the fifth day of Shrawan Shukla as per the Lunar calendar. There is a religious belief that by hanging a picture of a serpent in the house will avoid harm from snakes and scorpions, as well as from the incidents of fire and lightning.
The practice of Naga worship is believed to have started from the Vedic period. As per Vedic beliefs, Naga is considered the king of snakes. Naga temples in Kathmandu valley at Nagpokhari, Taudaha and Nagdaha are crowded with devotees on this day.
