Question 1

When is Sarpa Puja observed?

Accepted Answer

Sarpa Puja falls on Panchami, the fifth lunar day, of Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight, in Vaishakha. The observance day is the day on which this Panchami tithi is running at sunrise. Because Vaishakha is a lunar month, its Gregorian date changes each year.

Question 2

Why is Sarpa Puja celebrated?

Accepted Answer

The worship honours sarpa, or serpent beings, and especially Naga figures associated with protection, the earth, water, fertility, and hidden natural powers. A traditional account links the day with Vishnu granting Adi Sesha a boon that people would worship serpents on this date, although the exact source of that account should be checked.

Question 3

How is Sarpa Puja performed at home?

Accepted Answer

At home, clean the shrine, place a serpent image or drawing on a cloth, light a lamp, and offer water, turmeric, sandalwood, flowers, incense, and vermilion. A simple prayer for protection and household welfare is appropriate. Do not handle wild snakes or pour milk into a live snake’s mouth.

Question 4

What should be eaten during Sarpa Puja fasting?

Accepted Answer

A light fast or one simple vegetarian meal may be kept, but no single fasting rule is established here as universal. Many households perform the puja without a strict fast. Local family or temple custom should guide whether food is taken before or after worship.

Question 5

Is Sarpa Puja the same as Nag Panchami?

Accepted Answer

Sarpa Puja and Nag Panchami both involve serpent worship, but they should not automatically be treated as the same observance. This Sarpa Puja is assigned to Vaishakha Shukla Panchami, while Nag Panchami is commonly associated with Shravana Shukla Panchami. Regional traditions may connect their stories or practices.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Sun, 12 May, 2024	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 2 May, 2025	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Tue, 21 Apr, 2026	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Tue, 11 May, 2027	ShuklaShukla Shashti	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sat, 29 Apr, 2028	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 18 May, 2029	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 8 May, 2030	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sat, 26 Apr, 2031	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 27 Apr, 2031	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 14 May, 2032	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Sarpa Puja

Dates by year