Nagpanchami celebrated in Mumbai

Mumbai, July 30 (UNI) Nag Panchami, a festival to honour and worship the snake God- Shesha Nag was celebrated with religious fervour here today.

Devotees worshipped the clay idols of the snake god by offering milk and doing Puja. The incidence of snake charmers carrying cobras in baskets and collect offerings from the public in the streets has stopped in Mumbai with the strict vigil of NGOs,police and forest officials.

In Hindu mythology, the cobra has a special significance and the earth, it is believed, rests on the head of 'Shesha' - the thousand-hooded cobra.

According to the Hindu calendar, Nag Panchami is celebrated in the month of Shravan (July-August). During the monsoon when the snakes come out of the pit they are worshipped as they protect crops from getting damaged by rats and other rodents.

The festival falls during the rainy months and people visit temples specially dedicated to snakes and worship them. Shiva temples are also favoured places for veneration, as snakes are considered dear to him.

People offer sweets and milk to the snake deity and the day is celebrated with folk dances and songs, especially in the countryside.

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