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On the fifth day of Navratri, Lord Kartikeya's mother, Maa Skanda Mata, is worshiped by the devotees. She represents motherly love, purity, and protection. Following the rituals on this day is said to bestow wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual strength upon the devotees.
Navratri 2025 will be observed between 22 September and 30 September. The fifth day in the honor of Maa Skanda Mata is on 26 September 2025 (Friday). Hindus all over India will pray to her with great devotion to receive blessings for happiness and safety from ill effects.
Maa Skanda Mata is the fifth incarnation of Goddess Durga. Her depiction shows her holding her son, Lord Kartikeya (also referred to as Skanda), in her lap, representing motherly affection and divine protection. She sits on a lion and has four arms—two arms holding lotuses, one hand holding Skanda, and the other blessing.
She symbolizes power, kindness, and wisdom. Worshiping her not only brings harmony in home life but also eliminates barriers from devotees' lives.
Devotees perform these significant rituals on Day 5 of Navratri:
Morning Preparation – Purify the home and puja space. Keep an idol or photograph of Maa Skanda Mata on a clean platform with flowers.
Kalash Sthapana – Most of the devotees keep on worshipping the Kalash (urn) installed on Day 1 as Goddess Shakti.
Offerings – Make offerings of red flowers, fruits (particularly bananas), sweets, and panchamrit (a combination of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar).
Chanting Mantras – Repeat Durga Saptashati or Maa Skanda Mata's mantra: "Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah."
Fasting – Most people observe fasts on this day. Some eat fruits alone, while others observe nirjal fasts (no water).
Aarti & Prayers – Do evening aarti with dhoop, diya, and bells. Singing devotional songs is also very auspicious.
Brings peace, happiness, and family prosperity.
Gives wisdom and courage to overcome life's challenges.
Washes away negativity and evil energies.
Bestows good health and protection for children on devotees.
Being referred to as a type of motherly affection and unselfish care, her devotion reinforces kinship bonds.
Every day of Navratri has a particular colour attached to it. On the fifth day, devotees should wear orange colour, representing energy, harmony, and spirituality. Wearing the orange colour while conducting puja is said to invoke divine favors of Maa Skanda Mata.
