Ganga Panchami is observed on the fifth day of Bhadrapad month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India. Although the festival is named after Ganga, it is dedicated to Nagas – snakes. Naga Devatas are propitiated on the occasion for the welfare of the family.
Panchami or the fifth day in the month of Ashada, Shravan and Bhadrapad are dedicated to Nagas or serpents.
In Hinduism, snakes are one of the most ancient symbols of fertility. Nagas are powerful gods, capable of both curses and blessings. Therefore they are worshipped and given a space (grooves) by Hindus.
The snakes has ever been believed to be associated not only with sexual reproduction i.e. human fertility but also with the fertility of the soil.