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July 23, 2012 | Devotees throng religious sites to observe Nag Panchami |
Allahabad / Varanasi: Nag Panchmi, the annual festival dedicated
to the serpent divinity was celebrated with full religious fervour across Uttar
Pradesh on Monday. This festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the moonlit-fortnight
during Shravan month (July-August) of the Hindu calendar. “This is a very auspicious
day. Devotees offer milk, flowers and sweets to the snake deity. This also results
in the fulfillment of their wishes,” said Sham Tripathi, a priest in Allahabad
. Devotees throng holy sites on this day, as it is believed that offering prayers
on Nag Panchmi leads to prosperity and happiness all year round. “This is one
of the biggest festivals for Hindus; it marks the advent of new festivals. We
pray to the snake deity and if someone offers prayers on this day, then it brings
prosperity as well. Wearing a snake around one's neck is also considered lucky,"
Mohan, a devotee, explained. In Varanasi , pilgrims made a beeline to worship
the sacred deity and seek blessings from Him. “This is an auspicious day. Several
devotees have come here. People take a holy dip in the Ganga and offer prayers
to the snake deity,” Vivek Mehta, a devotee, said. In ancient times, snakes were
worshipped and given milk. It is believed that Nag (snake) is related to Lord
Shiva.
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