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Difference between Nagula Chavithi and Nag Panchami

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Nagula Chavithi and Nag Panchami are two important festivals dedicated to Nagas (Sankes) in South India. Nag Panchami is widely observed throughout South India after Amavasi in Shravan month (July – August) and is a major festival in Karnataka. Nagula Chavithi is observed on the fourth day after Amavasi in Kartik month (October – November) and is a major festival dedicated to Cobras (Nagraj) in Andhra Pradesh.

Nagula Chavithi is a three day event – first day is Nagula Chavithi, second day is Nag Panchami and third day is Nagasashti.

Nag Panchami festival in south India is mostly restricted to one day and is observed on the fifth day after Amavasi (new moon day) in the Shravan Month.

Nagula Chavithi is observed on the fourth day after Amavasi (new moon) in the month of Kartik and is observed for three days. The main festival is held on the Nagula Chavithi day.

In South India, during Nag Panchami importance is given to worship of Snakes. There is no feeding of milk or giving eggs to snakes. Pujas are rituals are given importance.

Nagula Chavithi is sadly noted for crude form of worship of Nagas – Snake pits, Anthills etc are worshipped by pouring milk and dropping eggs. In some places snakes are also forcibly fed milk.

Forcefully feeding snakes, pouring milk into snake pits and bursting crackers should be discouraged. This only leads to the death of snakes. Snakes don’t drink milk.

The best way to worship snakes is to not to disturb them. Give them freedom and space to live in forest and grooves.