KATHMANDU, Aug 7: As Hindus across the country are observing the Nagapanchami festival today as per the time-honoured tradition, a religious fair related to it is taking place at Taudaha, Kirtipur in the capital.

A large number of devotees are thronging here since early morning today.

Taudaha is considered as the abode of Karkat Naga, a Naga among the eight Nagas. The eight different Nagas mentioned in the scriptures are the Ananta, Basuki, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshaka, Kuleer, Karkata and Shankha.

Nagapanchami is a festival dedicated to Naga or the serpent god and is observed on the fifth day of the bright half of the Nepali month of Shrawan as per the lunar calendar.

On this day, the head of the family pastes a picture of the Naga or the snake god above the main door of the house and offers worship to the serpent deity.

The Naga is taken as the god of water and rain, and as per the religious belief it is said that the house where the Naga deity resides is bestowed with wealth and prosperity.

Meanwhile, a local of Taudaha Sikindar KC complained that the place is being neglected from the concerned sides despite having immense possibility for tourism development. RSS