IN PICS: Nag Panchami being observed with huge fanfare

KATHMANDU, Aug 2: The fifth month of the Hindu calendar, the Shrawan month, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the important festivals of this month is Nag Panchmi. This year, Nag Panchami, which is considered extremely auspicious by Hindus, falls on Tuesday, August 2. On this day, people worship Lord Shiva and Nag Devta. As per Hindu mythology, performing these pujas will help devotees obtain Lord Shiva’s blessings and will set them free from their sins.

PUJA RITUALS

Take a bath and wear clean clothes early in the morning. Keep a fast on this auspicious day and place an idol of Nag Devta and Lord Shiva where you want to perform the puja. Furthermore, pour water and milk on Nag Devta statue. Following this, present a cup of milk to Nag Devta and offer prasad to Lord Shiva. Recite the mantras of Nag Panchami Puja. Offer the food that you have prepared to Nag Devta.

Here are some pictures taken by Ratopati photojournalist Subhash Shrestha at Nagpokhari, Kathmandu: