Naga Panchami is observed on fifth day (Panchami) of the month of Shravana month of the Lunar calendar. As mentioned in the epic, Mahabharata, Astika, a sage born to son of Jaratkaru by the serpent goddess Manasa brought an end to the sacrifice of serpents on Shukla Paksha Panchami in Shravan and is since celebrated as the festival of Nag Panchami. People celebrate the day worshipping images or live cobra. They also wish each other by praying for blessings, well-being and protection from Nagas and Lord Shiva.