IN BRIEF

Nagpanchami

KATHMANDU: People observed

the Nagapanchami festival on Wednesday by worshipping the Nagas (snakes) and offering them sweets and cowmilk. In Nepal, snakes are regarded as the lords of water sources. Their worship on the day of Nagapanchami is believed to herald good fortunes and protect the worshippers from floods and other water-related troubles for the whole year. On this day, the pictures of Nagas are pasted above the main entrance of homes. — HNS