Nag Panchami celebrated with religious fervour

VARANASI: Nag Panchami (fifth day of full moon in Shrawan) was celebrated with religious fervour across the city on Monday. Traditional worshipping of snakes, particularly cobras (nag), in different localities were witnessed throughout the day. Devotees also thronged several Lord Shiva temples to offer prayers on the occasion.
The festival began early in the morning when several children were heard saying 'Bade guru ka nag lo, Chhote guru ka nag lo' while selling pictures of Shesh Nag and other Gods and Goddesses, which are pasted on the walls and doors of the houses on the occasion.
Devotees also thronged the famous Nag Koop near Nawapura area and offered special prayers to get rid of harmful effects of Kalsarp Yoga and other problems. A traditional fair was also held in the area which attracted huge gathering of local and outstation devotees.
The importance of the festival doubled with it falling on the third Monday of the holy month of Shrawan.
Several snake charmers were also seen outside Lord Shiva temples and residential areas and displaying cobra and other snakes for offering milk and other donations.
Wrestling competitions were also held in some areas which attracted huge crowd.