Naag Puja is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Shravan month, which usually falls in July or August. It is a day dedicated to worshipping snakes or nagas, who are considered as divine beings in Hindu mythology. Naag Puja is also known as Nag Panchami or Naga Chaturthi.

Naag Puja has a special significance as it is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva blessed the snakes with immortality and protection from his snake-destroying weapon called Sudarshana Chakra. It is also said that on this day, Lord Krishna subdued the venomous snake Kaliya and saved the people of Vrindavan from his wrath.

The following are the steps for performing Naag Puja:

  • Wake up early in the morning and take a bath. Wear clean clothes and prepare an idol or image of a snake with clay or silver.
  • Place the idol on a pedestal or altar and decorate it with flowers, turmeric paste and kumkum. You can also place some fruits like banana, lemon or coconut near the idol.
  • Light a lamp with ghee or oil and place it near the idol. Also light some incense sticks and offer them to the snake god.
  • Invoke the snake god by chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah” 108 times. You can also use a rosary or mala for counting.
  • Offer milk to the snake god as it is his favourite drink. You can also offer water mixed with honey or sugar.
  • Perform aarti or hymn singing to the snake god. You can use any devotional song dedicated to him or chant “Nagashtakam” 21 times.
  • Seek forgiveness from the snake god for any harm done to him or his kin knowingly or unknowingly. Ask for his grace and protection from all evils and dangers.
  • Distribute the prasad among your family members and friends as a mark of sharing your joy and gratitude.

Naag Puja is a simple yet powerful way to connect with the snake god’s benevolent aspect and experience his divine energy. By doing this puja with faith and devotion, you can attain good health, wealth, wisdom and happiness in all spheres of life.