Nagula chaviti
Encyclopedia
Nagula Chavithi is an auspicious day to observe Naga Puja. Nagula Chavithi is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi
Chaturthi
Chaturthi or Chaviti , is the fourth day of any lunar month in the Hindu calendar.-Festivals of Chaturthi:* Ganesh Chaturthi is one of prominent Chaturthi on which Lord Ganesha makes his presence on the earth....

) after Deepavali Amavasya during Karthika
Karthika
Karthika was an actress in Malayalam cinema from 1985 to 1989. Karthika's debut movie was Manicheppu Thurannappol.She was known for her ability to portray simple and bold characters...

 masam. Nag Panchami
Nag panchami
Nāg Panchamī is a festival during which religious Hindus in some parts of India worship either images of or live Nāgas on the fifth day after Amavasya of the month of Shraavana. Traditionally, married young women visit their premarital households to celebrate the festival...

 and Nagasashti are observed after Naga Chaturthi. In some parts of Andra Pradesh it is also celebrated in the month of Sravana
Sravana
Sravana may refer to:* Shravana, a Hindu nakshatra* Shraavana, a month...

 masam.

Nagula Chavithi, a festival to worship Nag Devatas (Serpent Gods), is mainly a women festival. Nagula Chavithi is observed by married women for their wellbeing of their children. During the Chavithi festival, women keep fast and observe Naga Puja. Devotees offer milk and dry fruits to Sarpa Devata at the Valmeekam or Putta (snake pits). On Nag Chaturthi day, Ashtanag (seven hooded cobra) is worshipped.

Nagula Chavithi in Kartika masam is a major festival in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...

 and some parts of Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...

. The rituals and puja procedures are different from place to place. Some people place Naga devatha idol at home and perform puja. But in some places, devotees go to 'Putta' (Snake pit) and offer naivedyam and perform other pujas there

The popular legend associated with Nagula Chavithi in Telugu Hindu culture suggests that on the day Lord Shiva drank the poison Halahala or Kalkuta to save the universe during the famous incident of Samudra Manthan.

Pujas and prayers are held in Naga temples across the state.

Stop the Practice of Feeding of Snakes during Festivals

Nowadays, Nagula Chavithi day is noted for the notorious practice of offering milk and eggs to the snakes, especially cobras near snake pits. Snake charmers also bring cobras to villages and towns which are fed with milk by devotees. Such practices should not be encouraged as it leads to the death of snakes.

Snakes don’t drink milk but the practice has been encouraged by popular beliefs.

Worship of Nagas is a constant reminder to humans to live in harmony with Nature. And the ideal way to worship Nagas is by protecting the forests and grooves that are home of snakes and other animals.

In 2009

Nagula Chavithi 2009 date is October 22, Thursday. The dates to observe Naga Panchami is October 23, Friday and Naga Sashti is on October 24, Saturday. Naga Chaturthi is also celebrated in Shravan month, just the day before Naga Panchami.
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