Credit: Festivals of India
Introduction
If you live in North India, you probably would have heard about the legendary Gugga Pir, a warrior saint who protected humans from snake bites and evil energies.1)To honor this saint, people celebrate the Hindu holiday Gugga Naumi. Gugga - the warrior saint, and Naumi (Sanskrit for "Navami") - the ninth day of the lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar.
Although the festival is celebrated in many places in North India, Haryana celebrates it in its own unique style with a distinct earthy rhythm, devotional songs, and performances cherished widely in the rural areas. Crafts of Haryana pays tribute to such living traditions because festivals like Gugga Naumi are as essential to our heritage as textiles, pottery, and painting.
The Legend of Gugga Pir
2)Gugga's birth was by the grace of Guru Gorakhnath, who bestowed a boon on Bacchal Devi after she performed tremendous penance. She was given a medicinal guggal fruit and named Gugga after it. She gave birth to a warrior so powerful he could command serpents, and so loved that entire villages gathered to sing his praises generations later. Gugga Pir, the snake god whose tale transcends religious traditions, is worshiped as a Hindu hero and a Muslim saint.
Who was Gugga Pir?
Gugga Pir, also known as Gugga Jahar Veer in Haryana, is said to have the miraculous capacity to cure snake bites and expel bad spirits. Over time, he gained popularity not only in Hindu homes but also in Sufi traditions, serving as a bridge across religions and a defender of everyone.
Why are snakes worshipped?
At Gugga Naumi, snake worship does not symbolize fear of snakes, but rather reverence for nature, asking for protection and celebrating the rich folk tradition. In the larger sense, snakes are revered as gods in India too.
Rituals and Preparations in Haryana
Gugga Naumi arrives, and all over Haryana, villages awaken to rituals and traditions that have been practiced for generations.
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Cleaning Gugga Marhi (shrine): For days in advance, families sweep and adorn the Gugga Marhi, a small shrine that is usually constructed under a peepal tree. Dung cakes are burned brightly and the floor is coated with cowpats, for purification, a religious rite that blends tradition with the realities of daily life.
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Offerings: Villagers bring turmeric, rice, milk, sindoor and sweets to the temple and miniature vessels of kheer and dalia are placed in front of the idol of Gugga Pir.
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Folk songs and prayers: Women gather in circles and sing Gugga Geet, their voices rising with emotion as they recount the saint’s tales. The storytelling is so powerful that it leaves everyone spellbound, especially children.
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Processions: Boys dressed as warriors carry painted bamboo sticks through the village reciting Gugga Pir's name. They go door-to-door, bestowing blessings, and collecting offerings, a joyful procession full of rhythm and devotion.
Community Celebrations
Let us enter the midst of these festive community celebrations and observe how neighbors, families, and whole villages unite to celebrate Gugga Naumi with faith, food, and festivity.
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Role of women and children: Both women and children possess hearts that are full of devotion and magic. Not only do the daughters and mothers sing, but they also impart their lessons to the village children. The children who see this are left speechless and already geared up to pass on the tradition to the next generation
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Gatherings at temples or community spaces: It’s more like a large village gathering where they share prashad, exchange blessings and rejoice at the local chaupals and community temples.
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Special foods prepared: The scent of delicious poori, halwa, churma, and bajre ki roti drifts from the kitchens. Grandmothers make kheer while children sneak extra sweets.
Credit: Haryana Culture
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Aside from rituals and devotional songs, Gugga Naumi has profound symbolic significance in shaping religion and community life in Haryana.
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Protection from snake bites and evil spirits: The spirit of Gugga Pir keeps snakes and spirits at bay, assuring people that they would be safe.
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Strengthening community bonds: People come out of their homes and into shared spaces to celebrate the festival, which strengthens their bonds.
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Preserving folk heritage in a modern world: Folk songs and offerings to the shrine preserve the age-old traditions of Haryana.
Modern Adaptations of Gugga Naumi in towns and cities
As times change, so do traditions. Gugga Naumi has gracefully adapted to modern life, especially in Haryana’s towns and cities.
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Changes in rituals over time: With the times changing, urban families have also changed the way they celebrate this old ritual. Although they don’t have a full-blown celebration like they do in rural areas, they still celebrate the festival in their own way by visiting temples, playing devotional music, or participating in cultural events like folk storytelling evenings or community satsangs. Folk songs are also shared by people today through social media channels.
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Awareness about wildlife conservation on snake worship practices: With time, devotees have understood that they don’t need to pour milk in the pot holes or bring snakes from wildlife to worship them. NGOs and educators encourage respectful worship that preserves tradition while safeguarding wildlife habitats.
Conclusion
Celebrate Goga Navami in 2025 on 16th August. Gugga Naumi is more than a ritual, it's about religion, family, and myth. It is a reminder that tradition is rooted deep, even in the fastest society of today. Ranging from decorated shrines to bubbling kheer, rural songs to contemporary versions, the festival survives.
At Crafts of Haryana, we believe that practices like Gugga Naumi are just as integral a part of who we are as our artistry. Because every ceremony, prayer, and legend holds within it a strand of heritage that unites us.
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