Nagula Chavithi 2026

Nagula Chavithi comes on the fourth day after the Deepavali new moon. Women fast and go, usually with their children, to a putta, the tall earthen mound that termites build and snakes are believed to live in, and offer milk to the Nagas who dwell there.

The story

Serpents hold up the Earth, guard what is buried in it, and coil around both Shiva's neck and Vishnu's bed. Their worship is among the oldest in the south, and in Telugu country it is tied closely to Subrahmanya, who is himself approached in serpent form.

The fast is kept above all for children: for their health, for the birth of a child, and for protection from the sarpa dosha that astrologers warn of. It also comes at harvest time, when people and snakes meet most often in the fields.

How it is kept

• At the puttaMilk is poured into the openings of the mound, which is marked with turmeric and kumkum and hung with flowers. Where there is no anthill, stone Naga images under a peepal or neem tree are worshipped instead.
• The offeringsChalimidi (rice flour with jaggery), vadapappu (soaked green gram), chimmili (sesame with jaggery), bananas and tender coconut.
• Putta mannuA pinch of earth from the mound is touched to the ears, especially the children's, as a blessing.
• The fastNothing cooked on the stove is eaten until the puja is done; many take only the offerings that day.
• The last crackersWhatever is left over from Deepavali is lit at the anthill, which is what the children's chant on Deepavali night looks forward to.

Why this date

Nagula Chavithi in other years

More from this season

• 8 NovemberDeepavaliదీపావళి
• 24 NovemberKarthika Pournamiకార్తీక పౌర్ణమి
• 8 NovemberNaraka Chaturdasiనరక చతుర్దశి
• 10 OctoberBathukammaబతుకమ్మ
• 18 OctoberSaddula Bathukammaసద్దుల బతుకమ్మ
• 19 OctoberDurgashtamiదుర్గాష్టమి

Further reading

• Nagula ChavithiWikipedia
• Srisailam Devasthanam, official siteSrisaila Devasthanam
• Andhra Pradesh TourismGovernment of Andhra Pradesh