Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 25: Nagara Panchami, the annual festival celebrated in honour of the serpent gods and to express gratitude to the serpents, has special significance for the people of the coastal region. Hindus from Karnataka coast believe that Tulunadu was formed out of the land reclaimed by Lord Parashurama from the sea by tossing his axe into the sea. They believe that the land so reclaimed belonged to serpents in the past and therefore they owe a lot to the serpents.

On Nagara Panchami day, people normally approach the stone forms of serpent gods and bathe them with honey, tender coconut water, ghee, sugar, honey and curd. They consume the said mixture called as Panchamrita with reverence to the serpent gods. Usually huge crowds are seen at the places of worship dedicated to serpent gods on this day. People believe that out of various flower offerings, areca inflorescence is most loved by the serpent gods.

For the first time, the devotees are barred from entering places of worship on account of coronavirus infection. The temple entrances are closed for them and a few devotees are seen approaching the temple entry points and offering flowers to the serpent gods from outside. Normally, thousands of people visit temples at Kudupu and Sharavu to pray to the serpent gods. But this time, a handful of them are seen praying from outside with the hope that coronavirus will stop bothering them and allow them to celebrate their festivals with enthusiasm and in traditional manner.