Suniel Shetty on Naga Panchami: 'It always takes me back home'
Synopsis
Suniel Shetty's Naga Panchami post was less a celebrity update and more a window into coastal Karnataka's deep-rooted serpent worship tradition. His words — 'not just a festival but a reminder of faith, values and connection to our roots' — capture why the occasion resonates far beyond the ritual for millions from that region.
Key Takeaways
Suniel Shetty posted a Naga Panchami pooja video on Instagram on Monday, 17 August .
He said the festival 'always takes me back home' to his childhood in Mulki, Mangalore .
Shetty described Naga Dev worship as an integral part of his family's traditions rooted in coastal Karnataka culture.
He is set to reprise his role as Shyam in the next 'Hera Pheri' instalment, currently in production with Akshay Kumar .
He also has an untitled action thriller with Tiger Shroff , directed by Sachin Ravi , in the pipeline.
Actor Suniel Shetty marked Naga Panchami this year with a heartfelt reflection on his roots, sharing that the festival never fails to transport him back to his childhood home in Mulki, Mangalore. The actor posted a video of himself performing the pooja on his official Instagram handle on Monday, calling the occasion far more than a ritual.
A Festival Rooted in Tradition
In his post, Shetty wrote: 'Naga Panchami always takes me back home. Growing up in Mulki, Mangalore, Naga Dev has always been a part of our family and our traditions. For me, it is not just a festival but a reminder of the faith, values and connection to our roots that we carry with us.' He added that he was 'seeking the blessings of Naga Dev for peace strength and protection' on the occasion.
The 'Dhadkan' actor emphasised that worshipping Naga Dev has been an integral part of the Shetty family's cultural identity, rooted in the coastal Karnataka tradition of serpent worship that predates modern Bollywood by centuries.
What Naga Panchami Signifies
Observed widely across India, Naga Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpent deities, with devotees praying for protection from snakebites, family well-being, prosperity, and spiritual strength. As part of the rituals, serpent idols or images are bathed with milk and water, and later offered milk, turmeric, roli, rice grains, puffed rice, flowers, and Payasam or other milk-based prasad.
The festival holds particular significance in coastal Karnataka and Kerala, where Naga worship is woven into the fabric of local temples and household traditions — the cultural context that shapes Shetty's personal connection to it.
What's Next for Suniel Shetty
On the professional front, Suniel Shetty was last seen in the ensemble comedy 'Welcome to the Jungle', alongside Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Disha Patani, and Jacqueline Fernandez. He is set to reprise his iconic role as Shyam in the next instalment of the beloved 'Hera Pheri' franchise, currently in production, once again sharing the screen with Kumar.
Additionally, Shetty is attached to an as-yet-untitled action thriller opposite Tiger Shroff, directed by Sachin Ravi. With two high-profile projects in the pipeline, the actor's return to mainstream Hindi cinema looks set to be a busy one.
Point of View
Naga Panchami is not a pan-Indian generic festival — it is a hyperlocal identity marker tied to temple traditions and family lineage. Celebrity participation in such moments can amplify awareness of regional cultural practices that rarely get mainstream coverage. What's worth noting is that Shetty chose Instagram video over a polished PR statement, lending the moment an authenticity that resonates more than a curated press release would.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Suniel Shetty post on Naga Panchami?
Suniel Shetty posted a video of himself performing Naga Panchami pooja on his official Instagram handle, writing that the festival 'always takes me back home' to his childhood in Mulki, Mangalore, where Naga Dev worship has been a longstanding family tradition.
Where is Suniel Shetty originally from?
Suniel Shetty grew up in Mulki, Mangalore, in coastal Karnataka. He has spoken about how the region's tradition of Naga Dev worship shaped his family's cultural and spiritual practices.
What is Naga Panchami and how is it celebrated?
Naga Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpent deities, observed for protection from snakebites, family well-being, and prosperity. Devotees bathe serpent idols with milk and water and offer turmeric, roli, rice, puffed rice, flowers, and Payasam as prasad.
What upcoming films does Suniel Shetty have?
Suniel Shetty is set to reprise his role as Shyam in the next 'Hera Pheri' instalment alongside Akshay Kumar, currently in production. He also has an untitled action thriller opposite Tiger Shroff, directed by Sachin Ravi.
What was Suniel Shetty's last film?
Suniel Shetty was last seen in 'Welcome to the Jungle', an ensemble comedy featuring Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Disha Patani, and Jacqueline Fernandez.
