Nagula Chavithi 2026: Date, Puja Vidhi, Significance and Traditions

Nagula Chavithi 2026 Date and Tithi

Nagula Chavithi is observed on Kartika Shukla Chaturthi, the fourth lunar day during the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartika. In 2026, the festival falls on Friday, 13 November.

Here are the Panchang details for Hyderabad as a reference:

Nagula Chavithi Puja Muhurat

One Hyderabad-specific Panchang listing gives the Puja Muhurat as approximately 10:52 AM to 1:08 PM on 13 November 2026. This is a location-specific calculation, not a universal time for every city.

What Is Nagula Chavithi?

Nagula Chavithi is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Nag Devatas, or serpent deities. The Telugu word "Nagula" refers to serpents, while "Chavithi" means the fourth lunar day, also known as Chaturthi.

The festival is particularly observed in Telugu-speaking regions. Devotees traditionally worship Naga images, idols or representations of serpent deities. Some families visit temples or traditional worship places and offer prayers with turmeric, kumkum, flowers and naivedyam.

For many households, the occasion is connected with prayers for the well-being of children, family happiness and prosperity. Women often take an important role in organising the household puja, although the way the festival is observed differs from family to family.

Religious and Cultural Significance of Nagula Chavithi

Serpents have an important place in Hindu religious stories, temple traditions and iconography. Nagas are associated with divine protection, spiritual symbolism and the natural world.

In Hindu traditions, the serpent Ananta or Shesha is associated with Lord Vishnu, while Vasuki is connected with Lord Shiva. Lord Subrahmanya, also known as Kartikeya, is worshipped in several South Indian traditions associated with Naga worship.

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Nagula Chavithi is traditionally connected with family prayers and the worship of serpent deities. Some families observe the vratam for the welfare of their children, while others follow it as an important part of their Kartika Masam customs.

The festival also offers an opportunity to remember the importance of living respectfully alongside nature. Snakes have an ecological role, including helping control rodent populations. Their presence in cultural and religious traditions is one reason many communities encourage respect for these animals.

Why Is Nagula Chavithi Celebrated?

Nagula Chavithi is celebrated to worship Nag Devatas and observe traditional prayers associated with family well-being. Many devotees believe that sincere worship on this day brings divine blessings and helps protect their families.

In some households, mothers and other family members observe the vratam with prayers for their children's happiness and well-being. Other families focus on honouring Naga deities and continuing the religious practices followed by their elders.

Stories and beliefs connected with serpent deities also form part of the festival's cultural background. However, the exact vratam story, prayers and customs may differ between communities. Families generally follow the traditions passed down through their own lineages.

Nagula Chavithi Puja Vidhi

Nagula Chavithi Puja Vidhi refers to the traditional method of worshipping Nag Devatas. The following is a simple outline of common household preparations. The exact procedure may vary according to family custom and guidance from a priest.

1. Clean the Puja Area: Clean the prayer space at home and arrange a picture, idol or Naga stone representation for worship.
2. Prepare the Puja Samagri: Keep turmeric, kumkum, flowers, akshata, a lamp and traditional naivedyam ready before beginning the prayers.
3. Decorate the Naga Deity: Apply turmeric and kumkum respectfully to the symbolic Naga representation, as followed in your family tradition.
4. Light the Lamp: Light a traditional oil or ghee lamp and offer flowers while praying to the Nag Devatas.
5. Offer Naivedyam: Present traditional preparations such as chalimidi, chimmili, fruits or other items customary in your household.
6. Perform the Prayers: Recite the prayers or vratam story followed by your family. Seek blessings for peace, happiness and family well-being.
7. Complete the Puja: Conclude the worship respectfully and distribute the prasadam among family members.

Nagula Chavithi Pooja Samagri

Families generally prepare a small collection of पूजा materials before beginning the Nagula Chavithi worship. The exact list depends on household customs and the type of puja being performed.

You do not necessarily need every item on this list. A simple and respectful puja using materials customary in your family is also followed in many households.

Nagula Chavithi Vratam and Fasting

Nagula Chavithi Vratam is observed by devotees as part of their religious and family traditions. In many Telugu households, women take the lead in organising the vratam and offering prayers for the well-being of their children and family.

Fasting practices differ between families. Some devotees observe a full-day fast, while others follow a partial fast or eat only customary foods after completing the puja. The time for breaking the fast also depends on household tradition and the guidance followed by the family.

There is no need to assume that every devotee must follow the same fasting rules. People should consider their personal circumstances and follow a suitable practice. Children, older adults and people with health or dietary concerns should not undertake restrictive fasting without appropriate guidance.

The main focus of the vratam is devotion, prayer and the continuation of meaningful family customs.

Traditional Food and Naivedyam for Nagula Chavithi

Traditional food preparations are an important part of many Nagula Chavithi celebrations. Families prepare simple homemade offerings and share them as prasadam after the puja.

Chalimidi

Chalimidi is a traditional Telugu sweet generally prepared using rice flour and jaggery. Depending on the household recipe, other ingredients may also be added. It is commonly associated with traditional religious offerings.

Chimmili

Chimmili is a traditional sweet preparation made with sesame seeds and jaggery. Its simple ingredients and familiar homemade taste make it a popular offering in several Telugu households.

Other Traditional Offerings

Some families also prepare soaked green gram known as vadapappu, bananas and seasonal fruits. The selection of naivedyam depends on regional customs and family preferences.

How Is Nagula Chavithi Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?

Nagula Chavithi has a strong place in the traditional festival calendar of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Families celebrate the occasion with household pujas, temple visits, traditional food and prayers.

In some places, devotees visit temples where Naga stones or serpent deity representations are worshipped. Other families arrange the puja at home and involve children in the preparations, helping them understand the customs followed by previous generations.

Mothers and grandmothers often share traditional vratam stories and explain the significance of Naga worship to younger family members. Chalimidi and chimmili may be prepared at home, and prasadam is shared with relatives.

Practices are not identical across every district or community. The details of fasting, offerings, temple visits and prayers can differ. Families often prefer to continue the customs followed in their own homes.

Difference Between Nagula Chavithi and Nag Panchami

Nagula Chavithi and Nag Panchami are both Hindu observances associated with the worship of serpent deities. However, they take place on different lunar dates and in different Hindu months.

Although both festivals honour Nag Devatas, Nagula Chavithi is not simply another name for Nag Panchami. They are separate observances in the Hindu calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nagula Chavithi 2026