Nagapanchami is a festival dedicated to the snake-God. It is the festival when snakes, the symbols of energy and prosperity are worshipped. This festival is observed in August. It is celebrated with more fervour especially in the rural areas.

On that day women and children visit snake-pits and worship the snakes residing there by performing Aarti (invocative prayer) and offering milk and honey to the snakes. 

In urban areas where snake pits are rare images of the deity are worshipped. Small clay images of the cobra are installed for being worshipped. 

In Maharashtra snake charmers go from door to door  with cobras ensconced in cane baskets asking for alms and clothings. Women offer milk and cooked rice to the snakes and gather around to see the snakes spread their hoods to the tune of the music. The snakes are also taken from house to house to enable city housewives to worship the deity. 

Snakes have been associated with many Hindu Gods. Sheshnaga (Snake with Six hoods) is the vehicle of Vishnu. The world according to Hindu mythology rests on the head of Sheshnaga, and when he shakes his head we have earthquakes.

Worship of the snake Naga on Nagapanchami day is not associated with any other Gods. Naga is a deity in his own right and is worshipped as such. This indicates that apart from all mythologies which have eulogized and deified this reptile, his worship during Nagapanchami owes its origin to some other reason.