Nagula Chavithi in Andhra Pradesh - Telangana - Nagula Chavithi 2024 Date - Worship of Snakes in Kartika Masam

Nagula Chavithi is a Hindu observance dedicated to Nagas or Snakes in Telugu culture. Nagula Chavithi 2024 date is November 5. Nagula Chavithi is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) after Diwali in Kartik month (October – November). It is mainly observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and adjoining areas and on this day Nagas (Cobras) are worshipped. In many regions, it is a three-day festival – Nagula Chavithi is followed by Naga Panchami and Naga Sashti on the following days. In 2024, the date of Nagula Chavithi is November 5, Naga Panchami date is November 6 and Naga Sashti date is November 7.

Note: Some communities observe it on Shravan Shukla Paksha Chaturthi, this is on August 9, 2024.

Nagula Chavithi Sand Sculpture by Tarani Prasad Mishra at LNPeta

The popular legend associated with Nagula Chavithi in Telugu Hindu culture suggests that on the day Lord Shiva drank the poison Halahala or Kalkuta to save the universe during the famous incident of Samudra Manthan.

Pujas and prayers are held in Naga temples across the state. People offer pujas near sacred spots associated with snakes like anthills, groves and other sacred spots.

The main event on the day includes pujas and prayers in Naga temples across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Stop the Practice of Feeding of Snakes during Festivals

Nowadays, Nagula Chavithi day is noted for the notorious practice of offering milk and eggs to the snakes, especially cobras near snake pits. Snake charmers also bring cobras to villages and towns which are fed with milk by devotees. Such practices should not be encouraged as it leads to the death of snakes.

Snakes don’t drink milk but the practice has been encouraged by popular beliefs.

Worship of Nagas is a constant reminder to humans to live in harmony with Nature. And the ideal way to worship Nagas is by protecting the forests and grooves that are home of snakes and other animals.

The most important Naga Panchami festival, which is widely celebrated in India, is observed on the fifth day after the new moon day in the month of Shravan (July – August). This is a single day festival.

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