Nagula Chavithi 2022 on October 28th: Know significance, greetings and why it's celebrated

Nagula Chavithi is observed on the fourth day after Diwali, in the month of Kartik. This year the day is falling on October 28th. On this day, devotees worship various serpents, as mentioned in the Vedas, to seek the blessings of Nag Devtas and Lord Shiva, to protect their children.

Married women offer puja on Nagula Chavithi to appease the serpents so that they don't harm their children. The festival is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and adjoining areas. The festival extends to the third day of Naga Shashti, with Naga Panchami being the interim day. The three auspicious days are October 28th, 29th and 30th.

Devottes in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka worship the serpent gods by making offerings to living snakes. People flock to forest areas, with ant hills nearby or places where serpents are randomly expected to be found. As per ancient sculptures twelve snakes are worshipped: Ananta, Vasuki, Shesha, Padma, Kambala, Karkotaka, Ashvatara, Dhritarashtra, Shankhapala, Kaliya, Takshaka and Pingala. Getting a darshan of the King Cobra, or for that matter, any snake is considered very auspicious.

On this auspicious day, Lord Shiva consumed poison that emanated from Samudra Manthan performed by the Devas and asuras. They were trying to regain their lost Kingdom of Swargalok from Raja Bali, who had conquered the heavens and extended his empire. Naga Temples, located in various parts of India, celebrate this day. On this day, people also extend wishes to greet each other, and elders bless the youngsters with prosperity and fulfilment in their earthly lives.

1. Who is the incarnation of Shesha Naga?
   Lord Lakshmana (brother of Lord Ram)
2. Which serpent god released halala or poison during Samudra Manthan
   Lord Vasuki