Why is milk offered to snakes? Know what is mentioned in the scriptures

naag panchami 2026

Nag Panchami: Every year the holy festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of the month of Sawan. This festival has been dedicated to the snake god. On this day, the snake god is worshiped with rituals. By worshiping on the day of Nag Panchami, the snake god is prayed for happiness and prosperity. According to Drik Panchang, this year the holy festival of Nag Panchami will be celebrated on 17th August. This day is the third Monday of Sawan and is also Surya Sankranti.

On the day of Nag Panchami, milk is offered to snakes at many places in the country. This tradition of offering milk to snakes is quite popular. However, the question that often comes to people’s mind is why milk is offered to snakes on the day of Nag Panchami? Is there any religious reason for this tradition? What is said in the religious scriptures about offering milk to snakes? Let us know about all these things in detail.

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Milk is offered to the snake god on Nag Panchami.

There is a religious belief that snakes are very dear to Lord Shiva. He himself has worn Vasuki snake around his neck. Vasuki snake sitting around the neck of Lord Shiva is considered a symbol of power, protection and nature. This is the reason that on the day of Nag Panchami, devotees offer milk, water, turmeric, kush and flowers to the snake god and worship him ritually. It is believed that by doing this, the blessings of the snake god remain on the family, which brings prosperity.

It is not mentioned in the scriptures

The importance of worshiping the snake god has been explained in detail in the religious scriptures, but nothing has been said clearly about feeding milk to a live snake. Many scholars believe that there is a tradition of offering milk to the serpent form mainly by installing the statue, picture or Shivalinga of the serpent deity. According to wildlife experts, snakes do not drink milk naturally. They are carnivorous creatures.

Snakes can sometimes drink liquid like milk in case of thirst or stress, but this is not considered their natural diet, hence one should avoid feeding milk to a live snake on the occasion of Nag Panchami.

Also read: August 2026 Vrat And Festivals: Sawan Shivratri, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Rakshabandhan, these fasts and festivals will fall in August.

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.

Varun Kumar

Varun Kumar

Varun Kumar has been a part of the journalism world for the last five years. In the year 2021, he completed his studies in Mass Communication from Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication. After this, he started journalism with Prabhasakshi News website and then became a part of ABP News. Now working with the Dharma team of TV9 Digital.

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