Why do Hindus offer milk to snakes on Nag Panchami day?

Why do Hindus offer milk to snakes on Nag Panchami day, is what is on many minds as many devotees carry out the practice. Nag Panchami is an important festival for Hindus across the country and the world over. This year, Nag Panchami, according to the Hindu calendar, falls on August 15, coinciding with the Independence Day. In Hindi 'nag' means snake. On this occasion, people worship snakes and offer milk to appease Lord Shiva for protection from enemies and all evils. Hence, Nag Panchmi holds great significance for Shiv devotees. 

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Significance of offering milk to snakes on Nag Panchami | Four major Hindu beliefs

1. Milk is offered to snakes with the belief that the offering will protect one’s family from evil energies.
2. Hindus believe that offering milk to snakes will help to negate Kal Sarpa dosh, which means astrological imbalance caused by Rahu and Ketu in the position of planets.
3. Offering of milk to snakes is also believed to help protect one’s family from all kinds of calamity.
4. Some offer milk to snakes on Nag Panchami Day to bring great fortune and success in life.

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Apart from Hindus, many animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts adore the reptile species of snakes. And many palces the world over have established special parks to save and conserve snakes.