Kathmandu- As Nag Panchami approaches, Ason Bazaar in the heart of Kathmandu is taking on a distinctly festive character. Traditional images of Naag, or serpents, are being displayed and sold in the historic market as devotees prepare to observe the annual festival.
Nag Panchami, celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shrawan, is dedicated to the worship of serpents. In Hindu and Newar traditions, Naag are revered as protectors and associated with water, fertility and the natural world.
This year, Nag Panchami falls on Momday, August 17 ( 1st Bhadra)
From colorful Naag paintings to the bustling activity of traders and shoppers, the preparations at Ason offer a glimpse into Kathmandu’s living cultural heritage. The centuries-old marketplace becomes not only a center of commerce but also a meeting point between tradition, faith and everyday urban life.
Photo : Sunil Sharma
