In Gujarat, Nag Pancham is observed on Krishna Paksha Panchami in the Shravan month, as per Gujarati calendar. Nag Pancham occurs three days before of Krishna Janmashtami. Based on Gujarati calendar, lunar month starts after Amavasya or no-moon day). Hence according to Purnimanta calendar followed in north Indian states, Nag Pancham occurs in Bhadrapada month.
In most states Nag Panchami is the popular name for Nag Pancham and it is observed 15 days before the Nag Pancham observed in Shukla Paksha Panchami of Shravan month.
Nag Pancham is dedicated to Nag Devtas or Serpent Gods and on this day people worship snakes which represent the Serpent Gods in Hinduism. Vasuki, Adishesha and Ananta are some of the popular Serpent Gods. Devotees observe fasting on Nag Pancham and usually break the fast after Nag Puja.
Nag Panchami Puja Mantra:
Mantra Translation – May the serpents that are staying in this world, sky, heaven, sun-rays, lakes, wells, ponds etc., shower their blessings on us and we all salute them.
Nag Panchami Mantra
Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padmanabha, Kambala, Shankhapala, Dhritarashtra, Takshaka and Kaliya are revered as the nine Nag Devtas. If the devotees chant the mantra every day in the morning regularly, they will be protected from all evils and will become victorious in life.