Naga Panchami habba or Festival is one of the auspicious day for Hindu women. India, the land of cobra, and snake charmers as it is famous for, has special reverence for the snakes. The serpents are associated with many Gods in the Hindu mythology.
Naga (snake) Panchami is the 5th day of the Shravana month of the Hindu calendar. On this day sculpt images or idols of snakes are made and worshipped throughout the country. In South India figures of snakes are drawn with red sandalwood paste on wooden boards, and clay images are made in yellow and black. Off late, people buy Snake Gods made of silver, gold or Pancha Loha (a combination of 5 metals preferred especially for worship).
People visit the Naga temple or “Ant Hill” is worshipped with reference to snakes live in Ant Hills. People decorate the ant hill with vermilion, turmeric, flowers and fruits. They prepare special sweets and savouries from till seeds, popcorn from jawar etc. They offer milk and honey. Some also perform Puja to actual cobra, considering it as the sacred and the favourite of Lord Shiva.
There is also the special significance of this festival that the brothers invite sisters and offer them gifts and presents, enhancing the bonds between the families. This is similar to “Raksha Bandhan” which comes in the same season. Naga Panchami is held to honour the Serpent God.