Nagula CHavithi 2026

Nagula Chavithi: Worship of the Serpent Deities

Nagula Chavithi is observed on Kartika Shukla Chavithi, a few days after Deepavali. On this day families in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana worship the Naga Devatas by pouring milk into snake anthills (puttalu) and praying for the well-being of their children and family. It is one of the most loved village festivals of the Telugu states.

Why Serpents Are Worshipped

In our tradition, serpents are revered as divine beings. Adisesha serves as the bed of Sri Maha Vishnu, Vasuki adorns Lord Shiva's neck, and Lord Subrahmanya Swamy is worshipped in serpent form in many places. The Puranas say that Kadru's sons, the Nagas, live in the netherworld, and honouring them is believed to remove Naga dosham and bring protection. Telugu elders also see the festival as gratitude to snakes that protect the fields from rodents.

How Nagula Chavithi Is Celebrated

• Wake up early, bathe and fast until the puja is completed; many women keep a full or partial fast.
• Prepare traditional offerings such as chalimidi (rice flour with jaggery), chimmili (sesame and jaggery balls), vadapappu, bananas and milk.
• Go with family to a nearby putta, decorate it with turmeric, kumkum and flowers, and draw muggulu around it.
• Pour milk gently into the anthill, offer the naivedyam, light a deepam and pray to the Naga Devata.
• Many families also offer eggs or cotton thread garlands at the anthill, following local custom.
• Those who cannot reach a putta may worship a silver or stone Naga idol at home or in a temple.

Customs and Beliefs

Some families avoid digging, ploughing, cutting or frying on this day so that no creature is harmed. Children's "Dibbu dibbu Deepavali, malli vacche Nagula Chavithi" chant on Deepavali night looks forward to this festival. Some families observe Nagula Panchami in the Shravana month instead of, or along with, Nagula Chavithi. Temples of Subrahmanya Swamy, such as Mopidevi in Krishna district, see large crowds on this day.

Significance

Nagula Chavithi teaches respect for all living beings and for nature. Devotees believe the worship protects the family, blesses children with good health and removes Sarpa dosham.

May the Naga Devatas protect your family and bless your children with health and happiness.