People in Dehradun commemorated Nag Panchami by worshipping the serpent god in various temples across the city on Sunday. With animal rights activists becoming more active in the city, there were fewer cases of snakes being used for devotional activities wherein they are offered milk by devotees.
Snakes are considered sacred in Hindu religion. They are the ornaments of lord Shiva while lord Vishnu reclines on Shesh Nag. Though some snake charmers did exploit this occasion to earn some money, most people visited Shiva temples and other shrines to offer their prayers on Nag Panchami.
Those affected by the Kal Sarp Yog participated in special ceremonial worship organised at different shrines on the occasion. Many people offered a pair of cobras made in silver at Shiva temples to secure freedom from the Kal Sarp Yog. Though snakes are illegally used by snake charmers to earn extra bucks on this occasion, compared to last year, there were fewer reports of such incidents in Dehradun.