Wp/efi/Nagula Chavithi

Nagula Chavithi (Festival of Worshipping Snake Deities)

Nagula Chavithi is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in the southern Indian states of **Andhra Pradesh**, **Telangana**, **Karnataka**, and **Tamil Nadu**. It is dedicated to the worship of **Nāgas (serpent gods)**, especially **Nagadevatha**, believed to be protectors of life, fertility, water sources, and family well-being.

It is observed on the **Chavithi (4th day)** after **Diwali Amavasya** during the **Karthika Masam** (October–November).

Religious Significance

Snakes are considered **sacred beings in Hinduism** and are associated with **Lord Shiva**, **Lord Vishnu**, and **Subrahmanya Swamy (Karthikeya)**. Worshipping snakes is believed to:

Remove **sarpa dosha (serpent curse)**
Protect children and family
Bring fertility and marital harmony
Preserve the **balance of nature and environment**

Mythological Background

Nagula Chavithi is connected to the **Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean)** episode where **Vasuki**, the serpent king, played a key role as the churning rope. Since then, serpent gods have been honored during this sacred period.

Rituals and Observance

1. Fasting and Vratham

Women observe a **strict fast (vratham)** for the health and prosperity of their children and family.
Some eat only once, while others maintain a **complete day-long fast**.

2. Preparation of Snake Images

Snake images are made using **turmeric paste (pasupu)** and placed at **ant-hills, snake pits, or near temples**.
In urban areas, images are made at home or drawn on the floor with **muggu (rangoli)**.

3. Offerings to Nagadevatha

Devotees offer:

**Milk**
**Eggs (uncooked)**
**Fruits**
**Chalimidi, kudumulu, and other traditional food items**
**Turmeric, kumkum, flowers**, and **incense sticks**

4. Ant-hill Worship

In villages, people visit **valmikams (ant-hills)** considered homes of snakes and offer prayers.
They circumambulate the ant-hill and pour milk into the snake pits.

5. Home Puja and Nagula Katha

Women perform **Nagula Chavithi puja** at home with turmeric idols.
**Nagula Katha (the story of serpent worship)** is read or recited by elders.
Some also worship **Subrahmanya Swamy (Kartikeya)** as the divine serpent warrior.

Cultural Practices

**Children and pregnant women** are given special blessings on this day.
Many devotees avoid cutting vegetables or cooking meat on this day.
Some communities also perform **serpent idol immersion** after the pooja.

Observance in Various States

**Telangana & Andhra Pradesh** – Celebrated as Nagula Chavithi and **Nagula Panchami** (four days later).
**Karnataka** – Known as **Nagara Panchami** (observed earlier in Shravan month).
**Tamil Nadu** – Celebrated as **Naga Chaturthi**, especially in Murugan temples.

Environmental and Symbolic Message

Reinforces **respect for snakes**, which are vital to the ecosystem.
Encourages **conservation of wildlife and biodiversity**.
Promotes **gratitude to nature and natural forces**.

Related Festivals

**Nag Panchami** – Celebrated in Shravan month (July–August)
**Subrahmanya Sashti** – Worship of serpent god Murugan
**Karthika Masam** – Month of light and nature worship
**Varalakshmi Vratham** – Women's health and family prosperity prayers

References

1. Telugu Academy Textbooks – Hindu Festivals 2. The Hindu – “Devotees Offer Milk at Snake Pits on Nagula Chavithi” 3. Skanda Purana – Story of Nagula Chavithi 4. Andhra Jyothi Deepavali Supplement (2023) 5. TOI – “Nagula Chavithi Traditions Continue in Telangana”