Mangalore, July 23: Nagara Panchami, one of the ancient and sacred festivals of coastal region, was celebrated with great fervour, pomp and gaiety on Monday as 'Naga' occupies a distinct place in Tulu Nadu.
It is celebrated on Panchami in Shravan month (fifth day after the new moon of Shravana month) as per Hindu calendar.
On the day, people go to temples and snake pits to worship Naga Devata (Serpent). It is believed to be one of the most auspicious days of the entire year. Kukke Shree Subramanya temple, Kudupu Shree Anantha Padmanabha Temple and Anantha Padmanabha temple at Manjeshwara are famous temples dedicated to Naga where Nagara Panchami is celebrated in a grand way.
In fact, a 'serpentine' queue of devotees was found on Monday at various temples across the district to offer pooja to the idols of Naga and seek his blessings for the well-being of the family. They offered milk, tender coconut, honey, turmeric and flowers to the idols of Naga.
Said to be the god of fertility, several couples who do not have children, offered prayers to the Serpent on the day.
The 'naga bana' situated at the backyard of Kudpu Shree Anantha Padmanabha Temple saw thousands of devotees carrying offerings like tender coconut, milk, honey etc to offer it to the god. Special poojas like 'Panchamrutha abhisheka', 'Naga Thambila' were offered by the devotees to the God. After the 'Mahapooja,' 'annasantharpane' (free meals) were served at the temple. A large number of devotees also visited Sharau Mahaganapathy temple and offered their offerings to Naga idol outside the temple.
Apart from the poojas in the temples, poojas were also offered at most of the 'nagasbanas' installed at the household levels, localities etc.
Nagara Panchami is synonymous with 'Manjal eretha gatti' (sweets made in turmeric leaf). It is a typical dish prepared in all the houselholds who observe this festival in the region.
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