Navratri 2024: Navratri started on October 3 and will go on till October 13. One of the largest festivals celebrated across the country, Navratri literally translates to nine nights. Celebrated for nine nights, Navratri worships the nine forms of Goddess Durga on each day of the festival. The nine forms of Goddess Durga are – Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri. On October 7, the fifth day of Navratri will be observed.
All about Maa Skandamata
On the fifth day of the festival, Maa Skandamata is worshipped. The goddess gets its name Skanda from the war god Kartikeya and Mata, translating to mother. She rides a furious lion and carries child Murugan in her lap. Lord Murugan is also known as Lord Kartikeya. Skandamata is known for bestowing treasures, salvation, prosperity and power to her devotees.
Navratri day 5: Significance
It is believed that Maa Skandamata rewards her devotees when they are focused on praying to her. According to Hindu tradition, a devotee must be free from worldly pleasures and thoughts, and should point his/her focus entirely to offering prayers to Maa Skandamata – only then the goddess blesses the devotee.
Navratri day 5: Puja vidhi
On this day, devotees wake up early and start the day after a holy bath. They dress up in new clothes and offer their puja to Maa Skandamata. They offer their puja with flowers. Kumkum, incense sticks, ganjagal, yellow flowers and ghee. A banana-based bhog is prepared for Maa Skandamata on this day.
Navratri day 5: Shubh muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, the Brahma muhurat will start at 4:33 AM on October 8 and will end at 5:21 AM on October 8.
Navratri day 5: Colour
The colour associated with this day is white, which symbolises purity and innocence. Wearing white on this Monday is believed to help devotees become worthy of the Goddess’s blessings.
